The organization of the Triathlon Holten decided this morning, Thursday, June 19, that the 39th edition of the Triathlon Holten will take place this year. It will occur on the weekend of June 20 and 21.
Triathlon Holten proceeds: organization takes extra measures
The expectation is that the temperatures will (well) exceed 25 degrees this coming weekend. We are closely monitoring the weather from the organization. We have daily meetings with the medical staff and the Safety Region regarding the impact of the hot weather on participants, volunteers, and visitors. We also have experience from previous years on how to handle heat and have various protocols for it. Hence, the organization decided this morning, June 19, to proceed with the Triathlon Holten on both Friday evening and Saturday.
Extra measures for participants
Earlier this week, the organization already took various measures in preparation for the forecasted heat. For example, extra water stations have been added for the participants on the running course. The residents near the running course have also been asked to provide cooling for the recreational athletes using sprinklers or showers. More showers will be available at the finish for all participants, both in the medical tent and the finish tent. Finally, first aid and other medical care have been scaled up.
Extra measures for visitors and volunteers
For the public, extra water points are being set up, and sunscreen dispensers are being placed at various locations along the course. The locations will be determined on Friday and shared via the website and other social media channels of the Triathlon Holten. Also, the various volunteers are informed so they can point them out to the visitors. Extra tents are being placed at different spots along the course for the volunteers and visitors. Among others, tents are placed at the swimming location Domelaar and at the shuttle bus stop. Volunteers will also be provided with water bottles and sunscreen throughout the day.
Friday, June 20: no changes to the program
Lower temperatures are predicted for Friday, June 20, compared to Saturday, June 21. Additionally, the different events will take place in the evening hours. There are currently no indications that we need to adjust the program due to the weather.
Possible measure: shorten the running course for recreational athletes on Saturday
For Saturday, different temperatures are currently being predicted. Due to a large margin of uncertainty regarding the actual heat, the organization has discussed three scenarios concerning the running segment. The swimming and cycling segments will proceed as planned.
These are:
- The temperature allows the recreational athletes to complete the running segment at the standard distance, as the 1/8th triathlon;
- The running segment for recreational athletes is cut in half. This means participants of the standard distance will run 5 kilometers, and participants of the 1/8th triathlon will run 2.5 kilometers;
- The running segment is canceled. This means that recreational athletes will enter the running course from the bike transition and proceed directly to the finish.
Decision on which scenario will be taken around midday on Saturday, June 21
At the beginning of the afternoon on June 21, the organization will meet to decide whether or not to adjust the running segment based on advice from the medical staff, the Safety Region, and the experiences of the elite athletes who will have already started. Any adjustments will be communicated via the website and social media. Participants will be verbally informed when they pick up their start numbers. We will also inform participants that they have their own responsibility regarding their health.
