HAPPENING 7–9 June 2025 | Every year, Rotterdam becomes the concluding point of a unique sporting event – the Roparun. This multi-day, non-stop relay race not only brings together fitness enthusiasts and amateur athletes, but also plays a significant role in contributing to improving the lives of cancer patients.
What is the Roparun?
The Roparun is a relay race held annually during the Whitsun weekend. The event has varying starting locations and finishes at the Coolsingel in Rotterdam. A Roparun team consists of approximately 25 people, including a maximum of eight runners who each run an average of about 65 kilometres in relay form, or more than one and a half marathons. The runners are supported by cyclists, caterers, drivers, masseurs, and other team members. The Roparun consists of two routes of more than 500 kilometres each. Participating in the Roparun is not only very enjoyable, but it also creates unforgettable memories. Anyone can participate: families, friends, sports clubs, companies, and associations.
When is the next Roparun?
The next Roparun will take place from 7th to 9th June 2025. The 34th edition of Roparun will see 212 teams at the starting line. The organisation announced the final number after the registration period closed. Over the coming months, the teams will raise funds to support people living with cancer. This year, 23 teams are either new or returning after a break.
Teams had the option of choosing between two routes: one from France and another within the Netherlands. The French route begins in Clastres, passing through Belgium and Brabant before reaching Rotterdam. The Dutch route starts at Vliegveld Twenthe in Enschede, going through Coevorden, Gelderland, and the Drechtsteden before arriving in Rotterdam.
All teams will finish on Tweede Pinksterdag (Whit Monday) at Binnenrotte, in the heart of the city. A total of 157 teams have opted for the traditional French route, while 55 teams will follow the Dutch route, which is known for its festive atmosphere and local support.
How to get involved with Roparun
The purpose of the event is to raise funds for cancer patients and their families, helping to make their lives easier and more bearable. If you want to get involved with Roparun, there are a few different ways you can do so. Firstly, you can participate as a runner or cyclist, joining a team and helping to raise funds for the cause. Alternatively, you can volunteer to support the event, helping with logistics, cheering on the participants, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Roparun. Photo credit: Marco de Swart
History of the Roparun
Initiated in 1992, the Roparun (Roparun) is a long-distance, non-stop team relay race that spans over a course of approximately 500 kilometres. The name “Roparun” is a portmanteau of Rotterdam and Paris, the two cities which initially marked the start and finish of the race. Over the years, the race has evolved and now includes other starting points such as Hamburg and Bremen, with all routes converging at the finish line in Rotterdam.
Year after year, the Roparun resonates with the spirit of camaraderie, resilience, and generosity. Competitors often express how the race's gruelling physical demands are outweighed by the fulfilment derived from contributing to a cause that affects so many lives.
The charitable dimension
What sets the Roparun apart is its philanthropic focus. The event functions as a fundraiser for projects supporting people diagnosed with cancer, making it more than just a sporting event. Participating teams engage in various fundraising activities in the months leading up to the event, with all the proceeds going to organisations providing palliative care to cancer patients.
You can also donate to Roparun and help to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. To find out more about how to get involved, visit the Roparun website at https://www.roparun.nl/en/. Here, you can also make a donation to the cause and support the incredible work that they do.
Visiting the Roparun
The atmosphere in Rotterdam during the Roparun is electric, with the Coolsingel boulevard coming alive to cheer on the participants as they cross the finish line. Visitors can also join in the festivities by taking part in the various events organised around the race. Details on how to reach the finish line of the Roparun can be found in the map below:
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