The teams will finish on Whit Monday at the Binnenrotte. Why not at the Coolsingel? And what exactly does the Roparun entail? Here are 5 questions and answers about the Roparun 2025.
What is the Roparun?
The Roparun is a non-stop relay run of over 500 kilometers that has been held since 1992. It originated from a bet to run from Rotterdam to Paris – hence the name. One of the founders had just started a foundation: Better Quality of Life for People with Cancer.
During that first edition, 13 teams participated and raised 100,000 guilders. It was a success, and since then more teams have joined every year and more money has been raised. Last year, 210 teams participated, consisting of friends, colleagues, and sports club members. Together they raised 4.3 million euros.
What is the money raised for?
After the first edition, the 100,000 guilders (about 45,000 euros) were donated to the former Daniel den Hoed clinic. This money was mainly spent on mobile infusion pumps. At that time, many patients had a fixed infusion and could not go to the hallway to make calls. Additionally, phones and TVs were purchased.
Since the first edition, money has been raised every year to make the lives of cancer patients more bearable. Its no longer just about mobile infusion pumps, but think of massages, laptops, and holiday homes.
What is the route of the Roparun?
Since 2004, the route is no longer from Rotterdam to Paris. The route was reversed so that more people could participate and cheer at the finish. In 2012, teams started not only in Paris but also in Hamburg. This way, more teams on the waiting list have the chance to participate in this beautiful event.
After that edition, there have been multiple routes through different countries. In the record year of 2019, there were even 3 routes, and nearly 6 million euros were raised. In 2020, the Roparun was canceled due to COVID-19. In 2021, 2022, and 2023, the route was only run in the Netherlands.
The Roparun 2025 has 2 routes: one starts in France, the other in the Netherlands. The French route goes through Northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In Enschede, the starting signal for the Dutch route will sound. What the routes share: all teams cover over 500 kilometers in a non-stop relay and finish at the Binnenrotte in the heart of Rotterdam.
Why not at the Coolsingel?
In 2018 and 2019, the Roparun did not finish at the Coolsingel but at the Binnenrotte due to construction work on the renovated Coolsingel. This year, the finish is also at the Binnenrotte because Hofplein is undergoing significant changes. There is not enough space for the thousands of runners and spectators.
What does the relay look like?
Both routes cover over 500 kilometers. There is always 1 runner per team (with support) active. To sustain this, teams consist of about 25 people. In addition to runners, there are also drivers, navigators, support cyclists, and people who take care of rest areas with sleeping places, food, and drinks.
The teams are divided into 2 sub-teams. One sub-team is active for a number of kilometers, while the other sub-team can rest in the meantime. At pre-arranged locations, the runners and sub-teams switch. This way, the teams are on the road for 3 days – day and night.