Five million euros were raised during the 35th edition of the Roparun, a relay race of almost 500 kilometers from France via Brabant to Rotterdam. During the tour, money is raised for palliative care for people with cancer. Five thousand participants, including many Brabanders, covered the immense distance.
During the Pentecost weekend, more than two hundred teams took part in the monster parade to raise money for charity. The organization aimed in advance for five million euros, and that goal was more than achieved on Saturday evening: 5,045,030 euros.
Higher yield
The proceeds are higher than last year, when 4.7 million euros were raised. This year the Roparun again passed through Brabant: Omroep Brabant welcomed the participants as they passed through Tilburg Reeshof.
The preparations for such a huge relay race are anything but simple. Team leader Dirk Buijs of team SV Sprundel previously showed Omroep Brabant what needs to be arranged: food, a place to sleep and even the option for a massage along the way. “Luckily we have a large network,” he said.
‘Both infected’
Jolanda and Bert Marthijsen from team De Moerdijkrunners also gave a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for the relay race. The duo is affectionately known as ‘Mr. and Mrs. called Roparun’. “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,” Jolanda said.
With the proceeds, the Roparun Foundation supports projects that contribute to the well-being and comfort of people with cancer, such as hospices, holiday homes for patients, wigs, transport facilities, the design of treatment rooms and other initiatives in palliative care.
The live registration is free and without an account to look back on Brabant+.