ROTTERDAM, 6 October 2025 – Rotterdam has powered its way into the record books. After 24 hours of relentless effort, 100 athletes succeeded in breaking the world record for the 24-hour non-stop sled push, covering an astonishing 76.06 kilometres.

A 24-hour test of strength

The challenge began on Friday, 3 October, at 13:00 inside the bustling hall of Rotterdam Centraal Station. Over the course of a full day and night, teams took turns pushing a 152-kilogram sled — hour after hour — battling fatigue, lactic acid and sheer exhaustion.

Their perseverance paid off. The final distance, verified by the International World Records Organisation, tripled the previous record of 24.01 kilometres. The sight of athletes pushing through the night drew the attention of travellers and onlookers passing through the station.

Sport unites Rotterdam

The initiative, led by sports nutrition brand Elite Sports Nutrition (ESN), brought together participants from local fitness clubs, national teams and several well-known ESN ambassadors, including Evi de Niet, Yaenty van Heesen and Donny Roelvink.

Beyond the physical challenge, the event carried a message. According to the Dutch National Institute for Public Health (RIVM), 56% of adults do not meet the recommended activity levels. ESN’s aim was to show that movement and perseverance are not reserved for elite athletes — and that fitness can be inspiring and accessible for everyone.

Voices from the finish line

After the record-breaking moment, the atmosphere was electric. “It’s incredible that we achieved this together as one big team. Thank you, everyone,” said Rotterdam trainer Yaenty van Heesen, visibly proud.

Fellow participant Nina Haans echoed the sentiment: “This was truly a team effort. We couldn’t have done it without each other’s support.”

About ESN

Elite Sports Nutrition, founded in Germany and now one of the fastest-growing sports nutrition brands in the Netherlands, focuses on community-based fitness and quality products. In September, ESN opened a pop-up experience store at Rotterdam Centraal and launched a national sampling campaign, distributing 800,000 products to promote healthy, active lifestyles.

ROTTERDAM, 1 August 2025 – Registration has opened for the 35th edition of the Roparun, an annual relay that finishes in the heart of Rotterdam. The multi-day charity event supports those living with cancer through community effort and endurance.

_{Image: Roparun. Photo credit: Harry van 't Veld.}

Registration now open for 2026 Roparun relay

The registration period for the 35th edition of the Roparun has officially begun. Teams from the Netherlands, Belgium and France are now able to sign up for the event, which will take place over the Whitsun weekend in 2026.

Scheduled from Saturday 23 May to Monday 25 May 2026, the event will once again offer two starting points: Vliegveld Twenthe in the Netherlands and Clastres in northern France. Participants will finish on the Binnenrotte in central Rotterdam, a key element of the route that underscores the city’s long-standing connection to the Roparun.

A long-distance relay with a local finish

The Roparun is a non-stop relay event where teams cover more than 500 kilometres by running and cycling. Each team typically includes around 25 members, comprising not only runners and cyclists but also support staff such as masseurs, caterers and drivers.

Rotterdam’s role as the finish location brings thousands of people together to witness teams cross the line near the Markthal. For many, it is a poignant end to months of preparation and fundraising, all aimed at supporting individuals affected by cancer.

Supporting cancer care through teamwork

In the lead-up to the event, teams organise a variety of local fundraising initiatives. The money raised is distributed by Stichting Roparun to projects that improve the quality of life for people with cancer. This includes furnishing hospices, funding holidays for ill children, and providing long-term support for Dutch wish ambulances (wensambulances).

More than 150 projects receive support each year from the foundation.

Roparun director: ‘It’s more than a sporting event’

According to Lesly Wolters, director of the Roparun, the event offers more than just athletic achievement. “The Roparun is an experience that connects people, challenges limits and shows what’s possible when people come together,” she said.

She added that teams prepare for months—not only to complete the 500-kilometre route—but to make a meaningful contribution. “With registration now open for this anniversary edition, I warmly invite both new and returning teams to be part of this event,” she said.

Wolters concluded by saying that everyone should take part at least once in their lifetime.

Registration details

Teams can register until 31 December 2025. More information and the registration form are available at www.roparun.nl/deelnemen.

ROTTERDAM, 26 September 2025 – On 3 and 4 October, Rotterdam Centraal Station will host a 24-hour world record attempt: non-stop pushing a 152-kilogram sled through the concourse. The initiative comes from Elite Sports Nutrition (ESN), supported by ambassadors and local athletes.

24 hours of sled pushing

The attempt begins on Friday 3 October at 13:00. From that moment, teams of athletes will work in shifts to keep the 152-kilogram sled moving for a full day and night. Each participant alternates one hour of pushing with one hour of rest before returning to the line.

A total of 100 people are involved, including Rotterdammers and athletes from across the Netherlands. Among them are ambassadors Donny Roelvink and Evi de Niet. Local personal trainer Yaenty van Heesen said: “Some of us push in the morning, others in the middle of the night. It’s heavy work and you feel every push burn in your muscles. Only by supporting each other can you keep going. That team spirit makes this event so inspiring.”

Why the challenge matters

According to the National Institute for Public Health (RIVM), 56 percent of Dutch adults do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. By staging the sled push in the heart of the city, ESN hopes to encourage more people to move.

Philipp Markmann, General Manager at ESN, explained: “Every day becoming 1% better is what drives us. With this world record attempt we bring that mindset to Rotterdam. It is not only about products, but about community and getting people moving. This challenge is the perfect example.”

An official referee from the International World Records Organisation will oversee the attempt and confirm the outcome.

ESN in the Netherlands

The record attempt follows the launch of ESN’s first Dutch pop-up store in September, also at Rotterdam Centraal. There, visitors could sample products such as Isoclear, Designer Whey Protein, Flavour Powders and Protein Bars.

The brand has grown rapidly since entering the Dutch market in 2022, moving from online sales to retail distribution. Its products are now available at Albert Heijn supermarkets, supported by a nationwide sampling campaign distributing 800,000 items. ESN has already become one of the three largest sports nutrition brands in the Netherlands, building on the standards that made it a market leader in Germany.

Location and directions

The event takes place inside the main concourse of Rotterdam Centraal Station, the city’s busiest transport hub. The station is easily reached by train, metro, tram and bus, and stands at the northern end of the city centre.

ROTTERDAM, 1 April 2025 – A new fanzone will be set up at Ahoyplein in Rotterdam-Zuid to celebrate the NN Marathon Rotterdam. Locals and visitors will be treated to free activities, music, and a brunch on Sunday 13 April.

Ahoyplein to host marathon fanzone during Rotterdam event

Rotterdam-Zuid will play host to a new fanzone during the 44th edition of the NN Marathon Rotterdam, scheduled for Sunday 13 April. The fanzone will be located at Ahoyplein and will be open from 10:00 to 14:00. It will offer a variety of free activities for all ages, including live music, games, workshops, and a spring castle for children.

The initiative has been organised by ibis Styles Rotterdam Ahoy, in collaboration with several local partners including Hart van Zuid, Rotterdam Ahoy, Sportbedrijf Rotterdam, winkelcentrum Zuidplein, and Theater Zuidplein. The aim is to provide a festive environment to cheer on the marathon runners as they pass through Rotterdam-Zuid, while also encouraging greater participation from the local community.

From left to right: Denise Jacobs (winkelcentrum Zuidplein), Daniëlle Everling (Sportbedrijf Rotterdam), Loes van der Weerd (Hart van Zuid), Natalja Benjamin (Rotterdam Ahoy), Paul Dirksen (ibis Styles Rotterdam Ahoy), and Edwin de Koning (Sportbedrijf Rotterdam) during a planning meeting for the Ahoyplein fanzone.

Community-driven celebration in Zuid

Paul Dirksen, General Manager at ibis Styles Rotterdam Ahoy, expressed a desire to see the marathon grow even more inclusive of Zuid in the future. “It is encouraging to see how the marathon manifests itself here on Zuid. I secretly hope we will one day host the start or finish line of this beautiful running event. For now, the fanzone is our way of contributing and showing that something is always happening on Zuid,” he said.

The event also aims to reduce crowding along the traditional route and create a more even distribution of spectators across the city. According to Dirksen, the event has been designed to offer something for everyone, from cultural activities to sport and food. “We want to involve residents and let them enjoy this happening. Everyone is welcome.”

Activities and attractions

Visitors to the fanzone can expect a wide range of attractions, including a DJ, live music, children’s crafts, and a football activity known as ‘Panna Knock Out’. A brunch will be provided by ibis Styles, while the atmosphere is intended to reflect both cultural diversity and community spirit.

Local outreach through flyers

To inform residents, flyers are being distributed door-to-door in the Hart van Zuid area in the lead-up to the event. The organisers hope this will encourage as many locals as possible to attend and take part in the day’s programme.

Updates and further information are available via the Instagram account @HartvanZuid010.

How to get to Ahoyplein

Ahoyplein is located in the Hart van Zuid area of Rotterdam, near Rotterdam Ahoy and Zuidplein. It is easily accessible by metro (Zuidplein station), bus and car. The area is known for its shopping centre, theatres and proximity to the Zuiderpark.