We made this film to thank the volunteers of 2026. In a minute and a half you see what happens on a day like that: setting up, handing out at the aid stations, putting medals around necks. Will you join us next year?
From the swim start at first light to the last medal around a neck: every role carries a piece of that day. Choose the place where you make the difference, and combining is fine.
Participant registration
You are the first face of the Gelreman.
Bright and early you welcome participants, check their registration and hand out race numbers and materials. You make sure everyone starts the event feeling good.
This suits you if…
you're organised and accurate
you enjoy dealing with people
getting up early doesn't put you off
Kayaking
You watch over the swimmers on the water.
From your canoe you guide the swimmers in the Rijkerswoerdseplas and stay in direct contact with the lifeguard team. Four waves: the Full Distance starts at 07:00, De Eigenwijze at 08:50, the Quarter Distance at 09:00 and the Half Distance at 09:45.
This suits you if…
you enjoy kayaking
you stay alert on the water
you want to contribute to the swimmers' safety
Aid station
You fuel the riders and runners along the way.
At your station along the bike or run course, drinks, food and gels are ready at exactly the right moment. The bike course stations run from 07:30 to 17:00, the run course stations from 10:30 to 22:00. You hand them over and keep the athletes going.
This suits you if…
you like action and pace
you enjoy working in a team
you want to make a difference in someone's race
Traffic marshal
You keep the traffic safe from start to finish.
You direct traffic at junctions along the bike course and around the Rijkerswoerdse lakes, from the early swim start until the end of the afternoon. That way riders and residents pass each other safely.
This suits you if…
you keep an overview when it gets busy
you communicate clearly
you want to contribute visibly to safety
General duties on the event site
You can be deployed anywhere.
A varied role: odd jobs plus the fixed posts on and around the event site, from bike check-in early in the morning to the finish area in the evening.
This suits you if…
you like turning your hand to anything
you're flexible and hands-on
no job is too much trouble for you
Motorbike marshal
You are the link on two wheels.
On the motorbike you lead the race, manage traffic, run supplies, carry officials and check the course. Your own motorbike and licence required.
This suits you if…
you have your own motorbike and licence
you're flexible and quick to switch
you like riding in the heart of the action
Race officiating
You safeguard a fair race.
You keep an eye on fair racing, such as no drafting on the bike. No experience needed, we'll explain everything.
This suits you if…
you're precise and observant
you want to learn it, experience isn't needed
you like a role with responsibility
Photo / video
You capture the day forever.
Capture the best moments, from the swim start to the tears at the finish, for the participants and the Gelreman channels.
This suits you if…
you enjoy photography or filming
you have an eye for the decisive moment
you want to share the atmosphere of the day
Catering
You keep everyone fed and hydrated.
You take care of food and drink for participants and volunteers on the event site: setting up, serving and keeping things tidy. That's how you keep everyone going.
This suits you if…
you enjoy working in hospitality
you're welcoming and attentive
you keep a cool head when it gets busy
Build-up
You put the event up.
On Sunday 22, Wednesday 25, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 August we're at work with many hands to make Saturday a truly great day! Many hands make light work. Will you join in?
This suits you if…
you like rolling up your sleeves
you're flexible and hands-on
you enjoy being there before the party starts
Take-down
You close the edition with us.
From Saturday evening through to Wednesday we tidy everything away again, so that we're welcome back next year and the equipment comes out in good shape once more! Sunday 29 August is the big day; it's great to be with a large crew then too. Every year this day turns out to be good fun as well. Are you in?
This suits you if…
you enjoy rounding things off together
you like leaving everything neat and tidy
you want to help make sure everything is ready to use again next year
Picked a role? Or still not sure? Sign up and we'll find the spot that fits you together.
You're part of a close-knit team that puts on a professional event together.
Free access
As a volunteer you have free access to the event site and all its facilities.
Flexible shifts
Shifts run from early morning to the finish in the evening. You choose what suits you.
Gelreman shirt
You receive an exclusive Gelreman volunteer shirt as a lasting memento.
Experiences
WHAT VOLUNTEERS SAY
"You're out in the sun all day, your legs ache. But when that last finisher crosses the line at 22:00 and you see how happy they are, you just want to come back next year."
Sanne V.
Finish area · 3rd year as a volunteer
"As a traffic marshal you think beforehand: I'm only standing here waving a bit. But the participants cheer at you, while they're the ones covering 226 km. Wonderful feeling."
Tom B.
Traffic marshal · 2nd year as a volunteer
"I didn't know anyone when I signed up. Now my fellow volunteers at the aid station have become friends. The atmosphere in the team makes this event just as special for me as it is for the participants."
Marieke D.
Aid station · 4th year as a volunteer
Sign up before 1 August 2027, the earlier the better
WILL YOU BE THERE ON 28 AUGUST IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ACTION?
Fill in the online form with your details, availability and preferred role. The earlier you sign up, the more choice you have in role and timing. You get a confirmation straight away, and on 28 August you'll be right in the middle of the action.
