Aramco Beach Run raises more money than ever before

For the third year running, the Aramco Beach Run proved a huge draw among residents of The Hague, one of the Netherlands' largest cities and home to the company's European headquarters.

Around 1,700 runners, from toddlers through to seniors, took on the four distances offered, which included a 15 kilometre 'beast run', this year run by many professionals.

Once again, funds raised were donated to Juliana Kinderziekenhuis (Juliana Children's Hospital), one of the country's leading providers of infant medical care. Donations were received by its radiology department, which will purchase a tailor made 'thorax tripod', a device that helps children under the age of four make x-rays of the lungs and heart. Without this equipment, young children are exposed to unnecessary radiation.

"It was fantastic to see so many runners, young and old, participating at the Aramco Beach Run and to see them rewarded with medals," said Mayor of The Hague, Pauline Krikke, speaking to attendees. "The energy of the people today has been incredible and I congratulate everyone on raising so much money for the hospital."

Indeed, this year's fundraising surpassed €42,000, a 31% increase on 2018, with donations still coming in. 2019 saw far more involvement from local companies, including commercial partners of Aramco. Sponsors included local organisation The Hague Pier, renowned technology incubator 'Yes!Delft', accountancy major Deloitte, and network specalists Avit Group.

"It's excellent to have such a strong turnout from the community," said Talal Al-Marri, President of Aramco Overseas. "Commitment from local businesses, residents and the government underlines what a strong community The Hague is and it is great to see these levels of participation, something that we as a business look to encourage."

Also part of this year's build up was local TV present Dennis Weening, who visited Juliana's Hospital ahead of the run itself. "Every child deserves the best care in an environment that is child friendly. That is why I'm working with Aramco, to support the Juliana Children's hospital." Both Dennis and Mayor Krikke assisted in getting races underway as first the 1K family run took youngsters towards the coast's lighthouse, before the longer races took runners along the beach, across the promenade and even through the city's dunes.

Returning this year was young runner Sergio, who was also elected an Aramco Beach Run ambassador – taking the time out to visit our offices and learn more about the company.

Aramco's involvement with community based runs stretches beyond Europe. There have been over 20 annual editions of the 'Charity Run' in Dhahran, supported by the local community and endorsed by the Saud Arabian Athletic Federation. While in the US, Aramco has supported the Houston Half Marathon (Texas), through Aramco Services Company, for over a decade.