Join Our Team for the De Tikkende Klok Challenge – Racing for Hearts at Zandvoort!
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the inaugural “Tikkende Klok Challenge” takes place at the legendary Circuit Zandvoort Tikkende Klok Challenge | 14 sept 2025 | Zandvoort – Stichting PLN – just two weeks after Formula 1 roars through the same track. But instead of racing cars, we’ll be racing against time to save lives.
What is the Challenge?
This unique sporting event features a “Slow Marathon” or a “Double Fast Marathon” format where participants run 1 or 2 laps an hour for 10 hours around the famous 4.3-kilometer Zandvoort circuit. Every step counts as the clock ticks, and every lap brings us closer to our fundraising goal for groundbreaking cardiac research.
Why We’re Running
Our Groningen Cardiology colleagues, led by Dr. Niels Grote Beverborg, are taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for the PLN patient foundation. The foundation supports research into PLN-R14del, a hereditary cardiomyopathy that originated in the Netherlands and can lead to serious heart rhythm disorders, heart failure, and even sudden death.
This rare genetic condition is particularly close to our hearts at Groningen Cardiology, where we specialize in PLN research and treatment. In the Netherlands, the PLN R14del mutation is one of the most prevalent cardiomyopathy-related mutations, with its origins traced to the northern parts of the Netherlands making our local expertise crucial for patients nationwide.
The Impact of Your Support
PLN R14del cardiomyopathy is associated with prevalent ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death, but research offers hope. Every euro raised supports innovative treatments, early detection methods, and potentially life-saving therapies for patients and families affected by this hereditary heart condition.
How You Can Help
Whether you lace up your running shoes to join our team or support us as a sponsor, you’re directly contributing to advancing treatment options for PLN patients. The challenge welcomes participants of all fitness levels – from seasoned runners to weekend joggers who want to make a difference.
Ready to race for hearts? Contact us to join our Groningen Cardiology team or sponsor our efforts. Together, we can cross the finish line for PLN research and patient care.