After our launch event in Eindhoven, we return home to Oud-Berchem with our second Heart for Gaza event! Once we have completed our cycling, running, and walking routes in and around the city, we will come together for a lively street party in F. Coosemansstraat, which will be transformed for the occasion into a vibrant meeting place with food, drinks, and music.
Everything will be focused on our friends from the Gaza Sunbirds, with whom Mohammed and Alaa will join us that day.
An event organised by Koersklub Rood-Wit (B).
€12,904 raised
On March 30, we set off from Sint-Hubertus Church on Victor Jacobslei, in the heart of Oud-Berchem, for a unique gravel ride with a deeper purpose. We begin the day with a warm welcome and complimentary coffee and tea. At the start and finish location, you’ll find stands selling posters, T-shirts, and more—all proceeds going to support the inspiring Palestinian para-cycling club Gaza Sunbirds.
The route takes you through a mix of historic and vibrant neighbourhoods, with a blend of cultural landmarks, parks, and bustling areas. You’ll experience a dynamic urban landscape, running past lively streets, green spaces, and iconic local spots, all before returning to the ending point.
After the ride, you can enjoy a delicious meal, prepared by Palestian chef Nour Elnono and served by volunteers—with all proceeds supporting Nours Kitchen for Gaza collaborating with the Sunbirds. DJ Papa Mojito will bring a unique blend of music from around the world (Latino, merengue, salsa, raï, soukous, cumbia, Balkan, Punjab …), mixed with a touch of folk and Dutch-world sounds. At parties, he’s also known to throw in some rock ‘n’ roll, electro swing, new wave, 60s-70s-80s classics, waltzes, and even dance music.
This is a wonderful opportunity to connect in a relaxed atmosphere with fellow walkers, runners, and cyclists, including Mohammed Abu Asfour and Alaa al-Dali from the Gaza Sunbirds.
Join us and let your heart race—during and after the run! ❤️🏃♂️❤️🏃🏻♀️❤️
Starting at the Sint-Hubertuskerk in Oud-Berchem you run past Cafe Rood-Wit (the first cycling cafe) the Groen Kwartier, a new part of town created on the site where the Military Hospital used to be.
You run out of this quarter past the PAKT, where there is a city farm on the rooftops.
We are now in Antwerp's Jewish Quarter, home to the largest concentration of Chasidic Jews. We cross this neighbourhood to run briefly in the Antwerp City park.
Via De Keyserlei you then go past the Central Station to Astridplein. You don't notice it (you can smell it, perhaps), but the course then goes around the Zoo.
We now pass the second cycling cafe, Vitesse.
We then run into Borgerhout and opposite the impressive district house is cycling cafe Mombasa, the fan-base of Vocsnor AKA Victor Campenaerts.
Also in Borgerhout on Krugerplein is cycling cafe number 4, Bar Leon, home of Bike Leon.
We now return south to run along and under the railway to the Zurenborg district, but first we pass Berchem's Grafitti Street through the old Electrabel site.
The route makes a short diversions along the Draakplaats to wave to Den Draak, home of Wielerij Den Draak, the most inclusive cycling team in the City.
Before you return to Sint-Hubertuskerk, you pass the stately eclectic houses of Cogels-Osylei and the famous intersection with the houses named after the 4 seasons.
Join us for a heartwarming community meal in support of war victims in Gaza. This special afternoon will bring together neighbors, cyclists, runners, and walkers from all walks of life to enjoy a festive meal while contributing to a vital cause. Food will be prepared by Palestinian chef Nour Elnono.
Café ROOD-WIT in Oud-Berchem, once known for its billiard history, no longer features the game. Today, it’s a cozy gathering spot where the café cycling team “ROOD-WIT” and locals enjoy drinks and community, while its nostalgic charm endures.