While many participants were preparing for the annual Roparun in 2025, Roparun runner Frank Boerebach (65) chose a different path. Literally. Over 175 days, he recently walked through all 342 Dutch municipalities, covering more than 4,500 kilometers, to raise money for the Roparun, among others. This organization is dedicated to making life easier for people with cancer.
From February 21st until August 14th, Boerebach walked an average of 25 to 30 kilometers a day, seven days a week, carrying only a backpack filled with clothes, a laptop, food, and water. It was a physical and emotional challenge, prompted by a personal loss: his father, three brothers, and his wife all died of cancer. He therefore decided to consider his 65th birthday a gift.
During the journey he stayed with strangers, was warmly welcomed by mayors and aldermen, and discovered special places throughout the country.
“The Netherlands is made up of nothing but good people,” he says of the hospitality he experienced. “I have a name and address, I ring the doorbell, and I have no idea who’ll open the door. People from all walks of life, all ages. It’s truly special. I tell my story, I eat with them, and I sleep. When I leave, I shake their hands and think: I don’t think I’ll ever see you again in my life. But I hope so.”
The little joys
The journey brought him not only encounters, but also insights. “This is so special. And it sounds very strange, but cancer did give me this,” he says emotionally. “It brought me a lot of sadness, but also very beautiful things. It’s ambiguous, but also true. I’ve spoken to so many people who have gone through cancer, and they all say: my life after cancer is different than before. Now I know what it’s all about. Enjoying the little things, each other, nature, and being happy with the small joys. Being able to make a difference for someone else and creating a sense of family togetherness.”
Lesly Wolters, director of the Roparun, is immensely proud of him: “I was already impressed by Frank’s involvement in the Roparun and his initiative to organize mini-Roparuns in his region, but with this initiative, he surpassed everything in terms of effort and perseverance. He also deserves nothing but respect for his worldview, which he told me about.”
Boerebach’s campaign raised over €45,000.
About the Roparun
The Roparun is a charity focused on palliative care for people with cancer. Each year, the organization supports more than 150 charities that contribute to the Roparun’s mission: adding life to the days. These include hospices, funding for all Dutch wish ambulances, vacation weeks, and peer support. The Roparun takes place annually during Pentecost.
Thousands of participants will walk and cycle as a team from France or Enschede to Rotterdam to raise money. Both routes are over 500 kilometers long. In 2025, this raised over €4.7 million. The 2026 event will take place from May 23rd to 25th. Teams have been able to register for this new edition since August 1st.
More information can be found at roparun.nl .