The entire Klazienaveen marathon at the Drenthe Loopfestijn has been removed from the program. This was decided because of the high temperatures predicted for Saturday. The other distances will start at the planned times.
The board of the Drenthe Loopfestijn took the decision last night in consultation with the White Cross, the municipality and other stakeholders. This is because they do not think it is responsible to let people run 42 kilometers when it is so hot.
Jan Dobbe, chairman of the Drenthe Loopfestijn, calls it a difficult decision. “We put a lot of time and energy into organizing the marathon,” he says. “But it is especially annoying for the 130 participants.”
Although it was a difficult decision, Dobbe calls it the right one. “Safety comes first.”
Because the marathon is cancelled, the first aiders and volunteers can fully focus on the other distances. Ice is available at various aid stations so that participants who overheat can be intensively cooled. Salty cookies are also distributed so that riders can replenish their salt after sweating.
A sunny day with around 24 degrees is predicted for Saturday in Klazienaveen. More than a thousand runners participate in the event, spread over the kids run, youth run, half marathon, 10 kilometers and 4 miles.
All participants of the running festival received an email from the organization today. The marathon registrants have been offered to participate in the half marathon, otherwise they will receive a refund of the registration fee.
