The Rapenburg Race 6th Edition - Sept 14 2024

Swim for a Cause: Support Spinal Cord Injury Research

Every year we host an 800-meter swimming competition through the famous Rapenburg Canal of Leiden.
Our goal? To raise awareness and funds to improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries – all while building a sense of community and connection between local Leiden residents. 

This local initiative has flourished with the support of all the student associations in Leiden.
Together, we've raised an impressive 112,500 euros with 700 enthusiastic swimmers participating.

In 2024, we’re proud to support three major causes:

• Project MARCH: A student initiative focused on improving the quality of life for people with paraplegia using exoskeleton technology.
• Universitair Neurochirurgisch Centrum Holland (UNCH): Helping support a national study on the acute treatment of traumatic spinal cord injuries
• The Sint Maartenskliniek: Supporting research focused on the use of gaming as arm-hand function training for people with a high spinal cord injury to increase independence in daily activities such as eating, dressing and grasping

We hope this year’s 6th edition will be even bigger and better than ever!

Will you support us too?

Join the Swim!

What to Expect

• Join hundreds of participants in their swim along the picturesque Rapenburg canal in Leiden to support this amazing day, full of live music, food, drinks, and all-day fun
• Date: September 14 2024
• Time:
  • Swimming: 11:00 – 17:00
  • Celebration and Party: 17:00 - 20:00
• Starting Line: Noordeindsbrug
• Finish Line: Steenschuur

Sign up Today!

Our Story

In the Netherlands, 12,000 to 15,000 people live with a spinal cord injury, with 12% under the age of 30.
These injuries can be a nightmare-turned-reality and can occur as a result of an accident, an illness, or bad luck – all with severe life-altering effects.
Spinal injuries can have debilitating effects, including loss of body control, and increased risks for kidney failure, bowel problems, lung problems, and vascular problems.

In 2016, Leiden student Maarten Jorissen was an individual who suffered such an injury, which led him to undergo several operations and a long, difficult rehabilitation.
Despite his challenges, Maarten powered through and went on to complete a Master's degree in Corporate Law and become an accomplished lawyer.

Maarten’s story inspires us to support others suffering from this condition.

That’s why we started the Rapenburg Race - to promote a positive outlook for all people with spinal cord injuries.

Learn more about the challenges facing people with spinal cord injuries at Dwarslaesie.nl

Support the Cause!

Volunteers wanted for September 14!

Are you passionate about helping improve the quality of life of people with spinal cord injuries?
Want to help run a great celebration that Leiden won’t easily forget?

Sign up as a volunteer for the Rapenburg Race on Saturday, September 14, 2024, and help us make this day an amazing success.

Become a Volunteer!

New: Kids Swim Too!

Are you between 10 and 14 years old and have you always wanted to swim through the most beautiful canal in Leiden with your friends?
Participate in our brand new Kids Swim – a 350-meter route through the Rapenburg with great prizes to be won.

Requirements to Participate

•       Participants must have already received their A Diploma.
•       Every child is required to swim with a supervisor aged 18 or older.
•       A supervisor may be responsible for a maximum of 4 children.

Don't Want to Swim? You can Help Too!

Support one of the amazing swimming teams or donate to the cause directly. All help is welcome.
Will you be a part of making this year's Rapenburg Race the biggest it's ever been?

Donate!

Aftermovie Rapenburg Race Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023:

Last year was the lustrum edition of the Rapenburg Race - a big success and a great day!
Will you be there to celebrate with us next year as well?

For More Information:

• Rapenburg Race Committee Chairman: Mies Geskes
• 06-14730335
• info@rapenburgrace.nl