Ironman Tallinn relied on 1,500 volunteers through stormy conditions

Ironman Tallinn, a triathlon festival held in Tallinn and Harju County, was supported by 1,500 volunteers in stormy conditions, ERR reported. A total of 7,500 people took part in the event’s various distances and activities.

Volunteers managed traffic, directed athletes, helped them move from the cycling course to the running course, handed out medals and assisted spectators. They also supported competitors at aid stations on land and in the water.

Ironman race director Ain-Alar Juhanson said the competition could not take place without the volunteers. He said some remained at aid stations for six hours in the rain after their tents were blown away.

Pipi-Liis Siemann from Türi has worked as a lifeguard at Ironman for several years. This time, she monitored competitors on Raku Lake from a stand-up paddleboard, helping to protect their health and safety and guiding them when they lost their bearings.

Volunteer Karoli Sõmermaa from Paide brought her friend Enrico Anton to help this year. They said some athletes arrived shivering, vomiting or fainting, and medics had to be called to assist them.

The young volunteers finished work at about 2 a.m. on Saturday night, after the last competitor in the full-distance race had safely crossed the finish line. They returned on Sunday, when the weather improved.