Organizers of the European Ironman championships in Frankfurt are making adjustments to the concluding marathon course by including more shaded areas amid forecast temperatures of up to 39 degrees Celcius on Sunday.
Organizers told dpa that on top of the course adjustments along the river Main there would also be more hydration stations, ice baths and shower opportunities as well as air-conditioned tents in the finish area.
More medical personnel will be on hand and there is a constant exchange with the local weather service as Frankfurt has also been hit by the heatwave gripping large parts of Europe.
“The safety of the participants is our top priority. Therefore, as is standard practice at endurance sporting events, medical staff may intervene at any time and withdraw athletes from the race if their health requires it,” organizers said.
The competition starts at 6.20am (0420 GMT) with a 3.8 kilometres swim. Athletes then cycle 180km before running the classic 42.195km marathon distance. The winner is expected to finish in the early afternoon.
While around 70 athletes will compete for European title, there will be thousands of additional amateur athletes also undertaking the gruelling event.
Other sports events in Germany scheduled for the weekend have cancelled because of the heatwave, including the Hamburg half-marathon and football matches in southern areas.
