On March 21, 2025, Jochem Kerssies, a determined 25-year-old student, set foot on the ice rink at Kardinge in Groningen to attempt breaking a world record for 24-hour skating.
Kerssies began his ambitious feat at precisely 7 PM, armed with the goal of skating more than 655.6 kilometers, a distance that has remained unchallenged since 1994, held by former marathon skater Jan-Roelof Kruithof.
In preparation for this record attempt, Kerssies underwent rigorous training, which included extensive bike rides and skating marathons. Notably, he had skated continuously for eight hours in Italy last December, a clear indication of his commitment to the challenge ahead.
With the warmest March 21 ever recorded as his backdrop, Kerssies was joined by a team of "voorrijders"—or pacers—who skated ahead of him to shield him from the wind. This support system includes Paul de Haan, who expressed both excitement and nerves about the responsibility of assisting Kerssies through this daunting task.
Kerssies's journey transcends mere athletic achievement; he is also using this opportunity to raise funds for children with muscular diseases and for those from families unable to afford sports participation. Donations are being collected for Spieren voor Spieren and the Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur Groningen, showcasing Kerssies’s commitment to social cause alongside his athletic aspirations.
Reflecting on the mental and physical toll of such endurance events, Kruithof, the current record holder, emphasized the difficulty of maintaining focus as fatigue sets in. “It will be a tough journey. In the beginning, it’s manageable, but the longer it takes, the harder it gets,” he noted.
The atmosphere at Kardinge was electrifying, with various activities planned from March 21 through March 23, 2025, as the ice rink prepares to close for the season. The cooling systems are set to be turned off after this weekend, marking a significant timeline for the event.
As spectators and supporters gathered around the rink, Kerssies exuded both confidence and determination: “I think I am ready for it,” he stated just before taking to the ice. His words set the tone for what he hopes will be a historic achievement.
The endeavor is not without its challenges, as De Haan noted the softer conditions of the ice due to the unseasonably warm weather. He acknowledged that while softer ice does not glide as effortlessly, the bright conditions provide an uplifting energy.
Throughout the record attempt, Kerssies plans to take only two short breaks to change equipment, a strategy he believes will help maintain his momentum. De Haan remarked on the unique challenges presented by the night, saying, “I can imagine that for Jochem especially, the night can be quite intense.”
However, the team remains optimistic, confident that Kerssies’s preparation will enable him to succeed. “He has trained meticulously to be at his best for this moment,” De Haan explained.
The ice rink will stream the event live, allowing a broader audience to witness Kerssies's attempts firsthand. Live updates, schedules, and donation information are available at 24uuropijs.nl, ensuring that fans can engage with the event remotely.
As the clock ticks on his record attempt, Kerssies travels through significant physical and emotional endurance, striving to etch his name in the books of history alongside Kruithof’s long-standing record, adding a compelling narrative of community goodwill and sporting excellence.
Jochem Kerssies's endeavor is not simply about personal glory; it serves as a beacon of hope and support for those who struggle, bridging the gap between athletics and community upliftment. Whether or not he breaks the record, the impact of his efforts will resonate beyond the ice rink.
This thrilling event promises to be a landmark occasion in Groningen, drawing in supporters and curious onlookers alike, each taking part in the story of human resilience, hope, and determination.
