IRONMAN Germany has written to all age-group athletes due to take part in this weekend’s full-distance Frankfurt race, urging them to take necessary precautions against what is expected to be a scorching weekend in the city.
With Europe still very much in the grip of an energy-sapping heatwave, temperatures are expected to hit 40C on Saturday and around 36C on Sunday’s race day – conditions which could cause serious health consequences should athletes not be fully prepared.
The race is one of the biggest of the season and represents another stop on the Pro Series calendar, with the likes of world champion Casper Stornes (NOR), Gustav Iden (NOR), and Vincent Luis (FRA) in the men-only pro starting line-up.
Advice on managing the heat on race day
But while the professional athletes can expect to be well looked after by their expert nutritionists and coaches, who are no doubt well-practised for such punishing conditions, there are concerns that some age-groupers may not fully appreciate the dangers of racing in such oppressive heat.
With almost 3,000 non-professional athletes set to dive into the lake waters at Langener Waldsee on Sunday morning, organisers are keen to ensure that every one of them has safety on their minds.
Posting on Instagram, IRONMAN Germany wrote: “Weather update for our Mainova IRONMAN Frankfurt European Championship athletes. ☀️
“You’ve received an email with important advice and guidance on how to prepare for the expected weather conditions. Please make sure to check your inbox for all the details.
“We would like to emphasise again staying on top of your hydration, and remember: electrolyte and salt intake will be key to managing the conditions on race day.”
Weather forces Hamburg to postpone half-marathon
It goes on to say that Friday afternoon’s briefings have been relocated to the Eissporthalle Frankfurt (Am Bornheimer Hang 4), which provides a covered setting – the English briefing is at 14:30 and the German briefing at 16:00 – with athletes being ’strongly encouraged’ to attend.
The Hamburg half-marathon, also due to be held on Sunday, has now been postponed, with organisers issuing a statement which read: “Despite implementing the most comprehensive weather protection concept in the history of the hella Hamburg half and making further adjustments over the past few days, we cannot currently rule out with sufficient certainty the possibility of an increased demand for emergency and rescue services.
“This could place additional strain on essential public services. Furthermore, we have a responsibility to you as participants, to our volunteers, service providers, and our entire team.
“We are fully aware that many of you have spent months preparing for this event and may already have incurred expenses. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this situation may cause.
‘The craziest Ironmen and women out there’
“For us as organisers, this is also a significant challenge. Nevertheless, we are convinced that this decision is the right one in the interest of everyone’s safety.”
Replying to the IRONMAN Germany Instagram post, some followers have suggested the organisers should follow the Hamburg example and postpone the race in Frankfurt, while others have instead embraced what they see as a new challenge.
One commented: “The professionals know what they’re doing, and as an age group runner, you really need to pay more attention to your nutrition and especially your pace when running a marathon.
“At least for the latter, it’s not about the best times on Sunday. I’m participating as a finish-line catcher and hope to receive many people at the finish line. 🙏😅 Let’s go; whoever finishes on Sunday definitely belongs to the craziest Ironmen and women out there. 🔥💪”
Guidance for competing on IRONMAN website
Another commented: “Personally, I think it is negligent to carry on the competition under these conditions as planned – the question is not whether someone is physically injured but how many and how bad. Best of luck to everyone participating. 🙌”
IRONMAN does not have a single absolute air-temperature limit for cancellation; instead, officials use event-specific discretion based on factors such as humidity, course support, and medical resources. It is also at the complete discretion of the race director, Felix Eing, as to whether any sections of the course will be shortened.
There are, however, guidelines on the IRONMAN website providing tips on how athletes can prepare for racing in the extreme heat, with guidance ranging from making sure they have the right hydration and nutrition plans to ensuring they wear sunscreen and a hat.
You can find the full ‘Racing in the heat’ guide HERE.
