Winterswijk to host season’s first natural ice marathon on Friday evening

Winterswijk will host the season’s first natural ice marathon on Friday evening. The Winterswijk Ice Association (WIJV) reports that the women’s race begins at 6:00 p.m., with the men’s race starting at 7:30 p.m. Winterswijk was also the first to hold a natural ice marathon last time, in early January 2024.

Geert-Jan Muskens, the national natural ice coordinator of the KNSB (Royal Dutch Skating Federation), says the ice is consistently 3.2 to 3.7 centimeters thick. “Since a race requires at least 3 centimeters, this is more than enough. By Friday morning, we expect the ice to be over 4 centimeters thick. It’s a fantastic sheet, with well-prepared boarding around the track.”

Ice rink De Witte Poorte will remain closed to members this Boxing Day. “With all the work happening on and around the ice, it’s best to keep the surface clear,” Muskens explains. Entry costs 10 euros. Although WIJV members can enter for free by presenting proof of membership payment. Marathon season pass holders and children aged 12 and under are also granted free admission.

Burgum and Haaksbergen were also vying to host the season’s first natural ice marathon, but on Thursday, the ice in both locations was still below the required 3-centimeter minimum.

Natural ice marathons have a long history in the Netherlands, with the Elfstedentocht as the best-known example. Regional events, such as the marathon in Winterswijk, are seen as crucial for nurturing talent and keeping the local skating tradition alive.

A live stream of the event can be seen on Schaatsen.nl. The last time that Winterstwijk held the first natural ice marathon it was won by Marijke Groenewoud and Bart Hoolwerf.

Hendrik van Prooijen, ice master at the WIJV, spoke of his joy after having learned that the WIJV had secured the right to host this season’s first natural ice marathon. “When the official told me, ‘Congratulations, you’ve got it,’ I literally jumped for joy!”

Van Prooijen compares it to the thrill of winning a race: “It feels like being the first to cross the finish line tonight. You know six other associations were hoping for the same opportunity.”

Van Prooijen accomplished this feat with 16 volunteers. Each night, four teams of two worked on spraying the ice. “Some were unstoppable, whether it was 3 a.m. or 5 a.m.,” he says. “And all of this during Christmas,” he adds, beaming with pride.

Following a brief night’s rest, Van Prooijen heads back to the rink. A total of 80 volunteers will be active throughout the competition day.