Courir pour Toit brings runners together to help people experiencing homelessness in Bois de Boulogne

Hands raised, fingertips touching: a roof. That is the shape countless finishers chose to make as they crossed the finish line, proud to have completed the 5K, or the 10K later that morning. Their faces were bright despite the effort required by this mixed-surface race, where mud made a last-minute appearance and completely transformed the course, which remained perfectly runnable. « We decided to do two five-kilometre loops. It was simpler and made the course safer », explains Elsa Pradier, who was responsible for setting up the race village and handing out bibs.

Fortunately, the main focus was elsewhere: the simple pleasure of running beneath the late-winter sunshine. And, above all, of doing one's bit to help build a better future in a world that is increasingly unsteady. Because it is worth spelling out: every Courir pour Toit entry fee is donated in full to the charity Toit à Moi, which will use all of it to provide housing and support for people in need. « What we raised through this race will directly help us open a branch in Paris and buy homes, so that people can receive support there from social workers, volunteers and others », says Gabrielle Lambourg, the charity's head of fundraising and partnerships. Toit à Moi is based in Nantes.

A morning of running and smiles

The morning delivered one memorable scene after another: a lively warm-up, starts and finishes in perfect harmony, group stretching and smiles all around. Among them were those of around twenty high-school students who came as a group to take part, shouting and singing after the 10K. The winners were smiling too, delighted by a spontaneous victory with a flavour all its own.

Emilie Lacerda Gomes even gets to push the finish-line banner aside. Although she is not a member of a club, she has been taking part in « genuinely charitable races for twenty years. « I often run for women's causes. For this race, I have a friend who works in the charity sector, and she confirmed that this organisation really does help people experiencing homelessness », she says. She even persuaded five friends to join her for the 5K, giving her the chance to show them that exercise really does make you feel good.

In the men's race, Pierre Chollet was pleased to take part through his company. He was pushed all the way by his closest rival, Théo Levy. « It was lucky he was ahead of me, he was showing me the way », the latter says with a smile. The race's cause was clearly not lost on either of them, and the runner representing Theodo made sure to form the Courir pour Toit « roof » as he crossed the line.

Everyone was swept up in the March morning. The hundred or so volunteers, more than 900 participants and the organisers pulled together to share a moment around a common cause. For some participants, the commitment was a natural fit. « This race gives us two wins: we challenge ourselves and support a cause. And since we study social care and healthcare, it obviously means something to us », say two friends, Lou-Anne Biard and Margaux Cosic.

A successful sixth edition of Courir pour Toit

This year, the number of entrants tripled, marking a clear success for the event. Fifteen companies joined the race, including schools such as ISCG Paris. It was a way to encourage young people to get active while supporting a cause in their own way. Four young women lined up together for the 5K, happy to walk for an important cause while sharing the experience. « It was hard at first, but then it got easier. There were plenty of people cheering, and in the end you feel really good », says Nana.

Those unable to attend in person could also get involved remotely through a virtual challenge held from March 7 to 31, competing against other teams by covering as many kilometres as possible.

© Valentine Sokoloff

A notable commitment to sustainability

It was impossible to miss. At the finish, numerous volunteers reminded runners to hand back their timing chips. Nothing particularly demanding from an organisational standpoint, but a small gesture with real environmental benefits. The eco-conscious event agency Ethics Event, which helped stage the race, has been reusing these plastic items for years. It is one of the agency's trademarks.

« We are the only people in France to wrap the chips by hand, tape them up and collect them at the finish, explains Elsa Pradier, the company's event and digital coordinator. Some chips have already been used at ten different races, whereas they would normally be used just once. They were never designed to be reusable in the first place: we are the ones who look for ways to give them another life. »

Courir pour Toit gives every stride an added sense of purpose: lacing up to help people experiencing homelessness find a roof over their heads and get back on their feet.

➜ View the results