ROTTERDAM, 20 May 2024 – The annual Roparun event concluded as all participants crossed the finish line in Rotterdam. Teams from various regions ran over 500 kilometres to support palliative care for cancer patients.
Roparun participants finish in Rotterdam
On Monday, all participants of the annual Roparun crossed the finish line on the Coolsingel in Rotterdam. After covering over five hundred kilometres, the journey ended for the 210 teams that started on Saturday from Enschede and Clastres, France. The first team to finish around noon was Team 207 - KMA. The final participants to cross the line were from French team 221 – Les P’tits Guerriers.
International participation resumes
This year marked the return of international participation with a starting point in France after a five-year hiatus. In addition to the athletic achievement, teams raised funds throughout the year for palliative care for cancer patients. The funds are donated to charities that aim to improve the quality of life for cancer patients as much as possible. Each participating team consists of approximately twenty-five individuals, including up to eight runners. The teams are also supported by cyclists, drivers, caterers, masseurs, and navigators. Various festivities were organised in cities and towns along the route to support the participants.
Reflections on the event
“We look back on another unforgettable edition,” said director Lesly Wolters. “We witnessed much emotion, effort, and exhaustion during this event. However, it also had a festive element. Of course, there was the return to France, but it was also fantastic to see so many people in the Netherlands coming out to support our event. Now, we look forward to announcing a significant final amount in June. The current tally promises something great, but if you haven't supported our Roparunners yet, please do so! This achievement always deserves more support.”
Fundraising for palliative care
The Roparun is an event where teams raise funds for charities, institutions, and projects that improve the lives of cancer patients. Last year, the non-stop relay run raised nearly four million euros. The teams engage in fundraising activities throughout the year, ranging from collecting donations to washing cars and organising mini-Roparuns to delivering Christmas cards. All the money raised by these teams goes towards supportive care for cancer patients. This weekend, the participants gave their all. However, they were not the only ones giving. The Roparun Foundation also made donations along the route, presenting cheques to various charities.
About the Roparun
The Roparun is a non-stop relay race that has been organised for over 30 years. During the event, participants run and cycle in relay form, supported and assisted by drivers, carers, and caterers. The funds raised are used to support various causes in the Netherlands, France, and Belgium, aiming to improve the quality of life for cancer patients as much as possible.
