10 km du Neuf steps up safety measures after heat-related incidents

Thankfully, no two Sundays are ever quite the same. But May 25 left its mark on the organisers of La Pyrénéenne, a 10K held in Paris’s 20th arrondissement. A tragedy shook the neighbourhood and cast a shadow over what had been a festive sporting event. For Isabelle Penafiel, president of Paris Sport Club and race organiser, it was a painful case of déjà vu after a similar incident in 2024. Two men dying two years apart is hard to take, especially despite the safety measures put in place for the occasion. The suffocating heat of recent days has played a role in these fatal collapses, as well as in dozens of other incidents reported at races held at the same time, including La Maisonnaise in Maisons-Alfort.

Extra measures in place for the 10 km du Neuf

In response to these events and the call for vigilance issued by the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Associative Life, the organisers of the 10 km du Neuf, in partnership with and supported by the 9th arrondissement town hall, have strengthened their safety plan. “We have no choice but to adapt. For example, we’ve added a second team of first-aiders along the course, says race director Adrien Broult. We’re also preparing talking points for all our volunteers so they can help raise awareness among runners.”

Spray showers will be installed at the 5K mark so participants can hydrate and cool down. Beyond the physical measures, prevention remains vital, both among the runners and the 250 volunteers involved. “As organisers, we can put everything in place, but if runners don’t recognise the danger posed by a heatwave, in my view we’ll always face accidents,” insists the man at the helm of the event.

Awareness is the watchword

Prevention requires action. The Lions Club Paris team is therefore stepping up communication by email and at bib collection, highlighting the recommended equipment: lightweight clothing, a cap and containers for taking on fluids, as well as water bottles provided for volunteers. “It will really be on race day that we can get the message across clearly: listen to your body and watch out for heat-related illness,” adds Adrien Broult.

© Lions Club Paris

A rescheduled race, with real risks

Historically, the Lions Paris 9 Run has taken place in mid-March. Several factors led to the race being moved to late May, forcing organisers to rethink their usual approach. Extra support and runner education are the key priorities for this 21st edition. The gradual drop in temperatures forecast for Sunday offers some relief, but does not guarantee an incident-free race. “There’s no magic answer,” Adrien admits. Unfortunately, accidents have always happened. I remember Paris-Versailles, when I saw someone collapse 100 metres away from me even though we were in a shaded area in the Meudon forest.”

A sporting event with a purpose

On Sunday, the 9th arrondissement will make room for a celebration. What began as a neighbourhood race has become a fixture on the Paris running calendar and beyond. International and local runners will come together for this non-profit event, with proceeds donated to organisations working to educate children with disabilities. “What we call inclusive education,” Adrien clarifies. It is a spirit that resonates with the volunteers who care deeply about solidarity and community life.

Some 2,600 participants will line up for the 10K, 400 for the 5K and 250 children for the Foulée des Familles (1.5K). Alongside the festive atmosphere, the race is also set to deliver a fiercely competitive battle at the front. Last year’s winner, Louise-Marie Monamy, will face a tough challenge from Lorea Irigaray, winner of the AG2R La Mondiale 10K, and Laura Bernard, who has held the course record since 2020. In the men’s race, two-time defending champion Rachid Khemissi will try to retain his crown against a formidable field. He will also have to contend with the still-fresh memory of the tragedy at La Pyrénéenne, where he was present last Sunday.