Matthias ran 420 kilometres for Dorcas Yemen

Running from the northernmost tip of Groningen to the southernmost point in Limburg in eight days. Matthias Jagersma took on this 420-kilometre challenge. His motivation: to raise money for Dorcas projects in Yemen . With his run, Matthias managed to raise no less than 6,000 euros.

How did you come up with the idea for this run?

‘I saw a video on social media of a man who ran the length of Africa. I thought it was such a great idea that I decided to do it too. But I wanted to make it a bit more achievable, as I wasn’t really a runner at all. That’s how the idea arose to run the length of the Netherlands.’

Matthias (right) ran together with his father Adriaan (left)

Why did you run for Yemen ?

‘I myself lived in Yemen for more than six years. I grew up there and saw that it’s not an easy place to live. It’s such a beautiful country, but it’s being completely destroyed. People are hungry, in fact, they lack all basic necessities. There is especially a need for water, food, and a safe place to live. My father set up the country office in Yemen for Dorcas, and that’s how I ended up with this organisation.’

Did you prepare in any special way?

‘I really started running from scratch. First just a few kilometres a week, eventually up to about fifty to sixty kilometres. We also mapped out the entire route ourselves and put together a support team. They travelled along each day with a van and took care of food, drinks, and setting up the tents.’

How did you experience the run?

‘It was a really great experience. It was wonderful to see how different the Netherlands is. We started out among the fields in Groningen, went across the Veluwe, and ended in the hills of Limburg. But it wasn’t all beautiful. On day 2 my friend Floris had to drop out due to an injury. And on the fifth day, I had knee trouble myself. That was really a low point, physically and mentally. I started doubting whether I would make it. Together with my father, I adapted the plan. With the help of a brace and walking poles, I was still able to keep going by walking.’

And did you actually make it to the finish?

‘Yes, fortunately I did. On the last day my knee had recovered enough and I could even run again! Which was just as well, as we made it in just before a huge hailstorm. Crossing the finish line was truly a fantastic feeling.’

02 October 2025