Thousands of people are expected to turn up to watch the first national skating marathon on natural ice in 12 years which takes place at the Oostvaardersplassen lakes near Almere on Thursday.

The Dutch skating association says three races will take place – 75km (masters or veterans), 100km (men) and 60km (women). The event starts at 8am and the men’s race will be broadcast live on NOS tv.
The last time the event took place was on the Ankeveen lakes on December 30, 1996.
For the route, click here
Meanwhile, two of the five outdoor skating tours which had been given the go ahead on Wednesday were cancelled because the ice was still too weak in places.