OF have released communications on how they are going to help to beat the heat at next year’s World Masters Orienteering Championships (WMOC)  in Girona, Spain.  This is something  Southern hemisphere clubs are well versed in, often in very remote areas, whilst not putting too many obstacles in the way of good competition. So it is noteworthy to see what is discussed in the pipeline to help the competitors for WMOC. With the event dates of 9 – 15 August, high temperatures are likely with maximums 30°C expected at the height of the day in this region. 

After considering various suggestions about weather and temperatures, the IOF states that several factors make it nearly impossible to reschedule the 2025 WMOC. The championships require around 250 volunteers for 10 days, which can realistically only be attracted during Spain’s August holidays. This is also the only time when municipal buildings, and the main event centre, are available, and the number of workers and neighbours on the streets is at such a low level that it enables the races to take place under optimal conditions. A post-2023 WMOC survey showed that over 60% of participants would likely attend if held in August, while interest drops to below 30% for September 16 to October 15. Additionally, the IOF is forming a special task force focused on identifying and recommending measures for future events (not just WMOCs) related to extreme heat, including members with medical and climate expertise.

Here are the logistic ideas the organisers have put in place so far for 2025. Good points to run through which include matching the challenges to certain age groups, and realising the impact of wider environmental factors for athletes in high summer events: 
• Start times earlier – planned so that as many competitors as possible can run in the cooler part of the day with  first starts  at 8:30.
• Eldest have priority –  for M /W 75’s and older competitors for early start times 
• Winning times shorter –  no longer than the IOF Rules specify, and courses that are shorter than previous events
• Ensuring shade in arenas –  pre-start areas with the sprint having large tents
• Suitability of terrain – The forest qualification and middle distance is  gentle and easy to run in – almost flat, very clean underfoot, sandy and soft soil and no dangerous steep or rocky areas
• Higher altitude and under canopy for long distance–   it is in elevated altitude beech forest so likely to be running in a much milder, pleasant air temperatures
• Ways to cool down – access to shade local pools & beach in communications.  After the sprint events it will be possible to use municipal swimming pool and showers after the races.  The forest qualification and middle distance has a beach less than 2km from the arena. For the long distance arena shaded areas and large tents, humidifiers, and showers are to be in place.  
• Distance to the parking area and public transport– all access and distance information included in communications very far in advance
• Drinking water and hydration –  Drinking water available throughout the day at all the arena, and the forest race courses have planned extra refreshment point  with enough water and cups for even the last starters.
• Medical and first aid support –  Mentioningfirst aid support, and that ice will be ready for anyone who’s feeling even just a bit unsteady 
Read IOF’s full article here: