The Aramco Beach Run made a welcome return on the first weekend of October as thousands of runners and spectators turned out to support Juliana Children’s Hospital.
The Hague’s Scheveningen beachfront provided the spectacular backdrop for the gathering, which returned for its fourth year on October 1.
With the sun obligingly making an appearance and a calming breeze keeping the runners cool, it was a day to remember for everyone who made the journey to the waterfront. Almost 1,700 people participated, representing an increase of about 25 percent from 2019, the last time the event was held before the onset of the pandemic. An estimated 2,500 spectators provided encouragement for the runners.
With six different races to choose from, there was a fun and exciting challenge for everyone on the day – from families with toddlers to seniors and seasoned professional runners - not to mention those that also joined in virtually. The Juliana Children’s Hospital is one of the leading pediatric hospitals in the Netherlands and has been treating young patients since 1885 when it opened with just six beds. Today it treats more than 12,000 children each year and has a big emergency room for children.
The money raised at the Aramco Beach Run will go towards helping the hospital upgrade its playrooms and recreational facilities. The rooms provide a fun and safe space for kids and their families, making for a much more welcoming environment for children arriving for treatment.
Aramco Europe President & CEO Mansour Alturki (A) welcomed the crowds. He said: “This is all about supporting one of the country’s most valued institutions. Many of you here today work at the hospital or are among the friends and families of children who have received treatment there. You will know better than I exactly how important this hospital is, and has been, to the lives of so many families in this community.”
The run was also attended by distinguished guest Mayor of The Hague Jan van Zanen. He said: “Here in The Hague we are great believers in exercise and sport, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. So, it is wonderful to see so many people on the beach, young and old – especially for such a fantastic cause as the Juliana Children’s Hospital.”