11-beaches walk raises almost €300,000 for cardiovascular diseases

Participants in the 11-beaches walk on Saturday raised 272,500 euros for research into cardiovascular diseases, reports the Dutch Heart Foundation, which organized the march for the fifth time. A total of 4,500 people walked or ran a distance of 2.5, 25, or 50 kilometers along the Dutch beaches. The Dutch Heart Foundation calls the turnout "great" and the proceeds "impressive".

The participants of the three distances started at different locations along the coast, but all finished in Zandvoort. There they were welcomed by hundreds of spectators.

“We are very proud, also of the volunteers and especially of the wonderful sum we raised together,” said Barbara Admiraal from the Dutch Heart Foundation. She hopes that the run will develop into an event like the Nijmegen Marches. “A physical challenge and a nice celebration at the finish”. She hopes that 10,000 people will participate next year.

The 11-beaches walk offers participants a chance to improve their own health by walking, jogging, or running, while raising money for the Dutch Heart Foundation. The proceeds from the tour will go to crucial research to better treat and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

According to the Dutch Heart Foundation, 1.7 million people in the Netherlands suffer from cardiovascular disease. This number could rise by 1 million in the coming years, according to the organization.