Run 500 kilometers to raise money for people with cancer. That, in short, is what the Roparun stands for. This Pentecost weekend, thousands of participants, including many Brabanders, will once again put their best foot forward. Behind the scenes, a lot has to be arranged for the event, which also takes the runners along the roads of Brabant.
It was a bit of a shock for the SV Sprundel team. Just when they thought they had everything in order, the bus driver canceled two weeks ago. The bus that would transport all items and people along the route from France to the Netherlands could no longer be used.
“Luckily we have a large network. It took some switching, but a transport company in the village made a truck and trailer available,” says team manager Dirk Buijs. “It was quite a job. How are you going to furnish the trailer? Fortunately, we received a lot of cooperation from sponsors. It took two days of sawing, drilling and building. The result is this,” says Buijs, pointing to the enormous trailer.
They really need that too. Because you don’t just walk 500 kilometers. Food, massage and a place to sleep are perhaps the most important things along the way. SV Sprundel is on the road for three days with a team of thirty people.
“Quite luxurious. Normally on the bus everyone has to lie on mattresses in the back.”
“When you enter the trailer, we first have a board with photos of loved ones. Everyone knows someone who died of cancer,” says Susanne Stolk-Peeters during a tour. “We also have the food first, then two massage tables. There are also two physios. Then come the bunk beds. We have room for fourteen beds. That is quite a luxury. Normally on the bus, everyone has to lie on mattresses at the back.”
For Dirk, Susanne and the entire SV Sprundel team, fun is paramount this weekend, in addition to raising money for charity. “We want to add life to the days, where no more days can be added to life.”
Jolanda Mathijsen from the Moerdijkrunners team also endorses this motto. “We do not do the same as the KWF, which raises money for cancer research. We raise money for people with cancer to make life as pleasant as possible, especially in that last phase of life.”
Jolanda and her husband Bert are also known as Mr. in their team. and Mrs. Called Roparun. And anyone who looks into their home will immediately understand why. They have been participating for fourteen years and their entire house is dedicated to this 500 kilometer journey. “The day after the Roparun we start preparing for the new year. It’s either in you or not. Bert and I are both infected with it.”
“One team, one task. That applies to the entire Roparun.”
Their house is completely full of things that the team brings with them. Bert is the equipment man of the team. “No Roparun without coffee, so a large unit for the coffee maker.” Bert also brings a refrigerator, party tents, massage tables, food, cutlery, towels and much, much more. “And don’t forget the route on paper. The GPS can just fail.”
As experienced Roparunners, they know what to expect. But they always get goosebumps when the finish line on the Coolsingel in Rotterdam is in sight. “The great thing is that we do it together with all the teams. It is not a competition, enjoy it. One team, one task. That applies to the entire Roparun. We are all working for a good cause.”
