Overview
- The 35th Roparun, which began on Saturday, May 23, runs through May 25 with teams on French and Dutch routes that converge on Rotterdam’s Coolsingel.
- A record field of 203 teams is taking part this year, including 22 new teams, boosting the event’s reach and donor base.
- Organizers have set an explicit €5 million fundraising goal for 2026 after raising about €4.7 million last year, with funds earmarked for hairpieces, hospices, psychosocial support and camps for sick children.
- Volunteers are running the operation: veteran helpers set up the Paris startcamp and teams rely on self-built support units such as converted trailers with beds, food, massage tables and physios to solve last-minute transport problems.
- The relay remains a community event with local celebrations and live regional coverage that both sustain volunteer networks and bring public attention to palliative care needs.