Levensloop Genk Organizers Aim For 250000 Euros

Levensloop Genk kicked off its 24-hour solidarity event at the Atlas College athletics track on October 10, 2026, launching with a pre-event total of 176,447 euros raised for cancer research and support. Organizers set their sights on reaching 250,000 euros by the time the event concludes.

Athletics Track Launch and Opening Figures

Mayor Wim Dries and alderman Sarah Roncada opened the weekend event by igniting a ceremonial torch at approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Participants immediately took to the running track for an opening lap dedicated to individuals currently battling cancer or who have survived the disease.

Willy Gabriels, a pioneer of the Genk chapter who was recruited in 2015, stated that the organization aims for a final fundraising tally of roughly 250,000 euros. Gabriels traced his involvement back to his goddaughter, who works for the Stichting tegen Kanker. The athletics track was chosen as the permanent home because Gabriels spent 36 years working at the facility when it operated under its previous name, the Technisch Instituut Sint Lodewijk, allowing him to lean on former colleagues for support.

Community Support Propels Record Fundraising

Genk operates the largest Levensloop event in Belgium in terms of scale, and ranks second nationwide for total funds raised. Gabriels noted that previous editions brought in a combined total exceeding two million euros. He added that the primary goal centers on community solidarity rather than financial rankings alone, pointing to parallel regional successes like De Warmste Week as proof of local generosity.

Genkenaars hebben een warm hart Gabriels said, describing how local residents return year after year to support cancer patients and survivors.