September 28, 2026

Dam tot Damloop 2026: Marking the Mukwege Foundation’s 10th anniversary with over 10 teams running to support survivors

To mark 10 years of standing with survivors, eleven teams joined the Mukwege Foundation for the NN Dam tot Damloop on 19 and 20 September 2026. Together, they ran to raise awareness of conflict-related sexual violence and mobilise support for survivors around the world. Continue reading to learn more.

Running in solidarity with survivors

In conflict settings, women, girls and boys face an increased risk of sexual violence used as a weapon of war. Its consequences can be devastating for survivors, their families and their communities.

To raise awareness and funds, the Mukwege Foundation joined the Dam tot Damloop charity run in the Netherlands, convening more than 40 runners among family, friends, colleagues and supporters of the Mukwege Foundation.

Together, they have raised €16,400, exceeding the initial target of €15,000, showing what solidarity can make possible.

A shared purpose

On the evening of 19 September, 14 runners supporting the Mukwege Foundation gathered in Zaandam for the Damloop by night 5 Miles (8 km), part of the NN Dam tot Damloop weekend.

Some of the 5-mile runners were Mukwege Foundation staff, others were longstanding supporters of the Mukwege Foundation and joined the team to stand with survivors as we mark our 10th anniversary.

For many in the group, this was their first race. However, their shared motivation carried them forward. They showed us that survivors are not standing alone.

10 Miles: Amsterdam to Zaandam

“After working in Rwanda, I saw first-hand the pain experienced by survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. Today, I was truly surprised to see this large group of Mukwege Foundation runners come together and realise that so many people feel compelled to take action on this issue.”
Pien van Langen, 10 Miles runner

On 20 September, another 34 runners took on the NN Dam tot Damloop 10 Miles (16.1 km), from Amsterdam to Zaandam. This run was specially motivated by a shared commitment to raise awareness and funds for the Mukwege Foundation’s programmes to continue supporting survivors.

One of the team leaders, Martin Poot, shared the motivation behind the teams’ efforts: “It was very motivating to know how many donations we were running for”. As a result, his team finished fourth in the 10 Miles Charity team category, setting a record for the Mukwege Foundation team.

Thank you

Thank you to every runner who took on the challenge and every person who supported them. We are also deeply grateful to the donors, team leaders, volunteers and colleagues who made the initiative possible.

Their commitment sends a clear message: action is possible, and standing with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence is essential.