La Nuit des Relais marks its 10th anniversary at Parc Floral in postcard-perfect style

What an incredible splash of colour! For the first time, Parc Floral hosted La Nuit des Relais, a night race launched ten years ago by Fondation des Femmes. No fewer than 3,000 participants turned out for this major evening, which raised €169,458. Every cent will go to grassroots organisations supporting women affected by violence. “Last year, 140 projects were funded across France. More than one million euros were donated to keep threatened support centres open, recruit lawyers and psychologists…” Laura Slimani, director of projects at Fondation des Femmes, told Cécile Grès, presenter of Stade 2, and Anne-Cécile Mailfert, the organisation’s president. The pair were hosting the event.

And host they did brilliantly, with the atmosphere already buzzing at the park entrance and even outside the metro station, where RATP shuttles put on specially for the occasion were waiting for runners. Inside, a Fondation volunteer was offering a short workshop on street harassment.

From 6 p.m., early arrivals enjoyed stage entertainment, including a concert, and explored the greenhouse where the associations had set up their stands. At the start, 300 runners set off from their respective pens for a 600-metre loop before handing the baton to another member of their team. Some tore off at full speed; others kept their pace in check, knowing they would have to go again after a few laps from their teammates. “It brings together every part of society. We have 11 teams from Paris City Hall, 200 people from MGEN and 1,000 individuals. It’s a genuinely collective effort, and that’s what makes the difference,” explains Lise Gallard, director of engagement at the foundation.

A sea of purple that stopped everyone in their tracks

The race got under way in the intense light of late afternoon. From the top of the esplanade, the view over the relay was perfect. “We always try to find exceptional venues, adds Fondation des Femmes’ director of communications and fundraising. The race is the end goal, but people had already shown a huge amount of commitment beforehand.” Every team had to raise at least €1,000 to take part, so it was only natural that everyone wanted to make the most of the occasion.

The bell rang and a cow set the pace, followed by a woman in a football shirt, another surrounded by a swim ring, a man carrying a soft toy, a participant with a purple cat-eared umbrella and another dressed as Poseidon, with waves drawn across her back and a trident in hand. They all wound their way around the course between the lake and the path behind the stage. Those who were not in costume wore their best purple T-shirts, bearing the logos of Fondation des Femmes or Sine Qua Non, another organisation “working to stop violence against women”.

Each runner carried a baton to match their costume: a phone inside the swim ring, a microphone, a football, a flag, a yellow duck, a stuffed rabbit, a fake bouquet of flowers… Some were even decorated with fairy lights. As night fell, the lights installed for the occasion gently wrapped around the park, setting the tone as purple gradually took over the space until it filled every corner. To celebrate the finish, all 3,000 participants set off for one final lap together to the sound of Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls)”.

 It brings together every part of society. We have 11 teams from Paris City Hall, 200 people from MGEN and 1,000 individuals. It’s a genuinely collective effort, and that’s what makes the difference.

All generations united behind a shared cause

A little girl of around five ran back and forth in front of the spectators, focused on the red balloon bobbing through the air behind her. But she was not the only child running at full tilt. An all-children’s team called “L’ordre du Phoenix de Feu” raised €2,400 through cake sales and the generosity of friends and family. “We hit up our grannies,” one of the boys joked into the presenters’ microphones.

The adult teams were just as diverse. Another team, Run’her, made up of four runners, down from seven originally, had “gone to our friends’ rich aunts and uncles,” laughs Alice, the group’s marathon runner. For them, taking part in the event was an obvious choice, with some having already run it the previous year. “We met while working in the charity, humanitarian and non-profit sectors. So it’s already very much our vibe,” explains Alice, joined by James, who came up with the project: “It’s good to demonstrate, retweet things and all that, but it’s also cool to do some fundraising.”

For the Stand Speak Rise Up! team, representing the organisation of the same name, fundraising was easier thanks to the association’s reputation and the ten or so people brought together by Clémence Lainé, who works for the organisation. “We were simply recruited to support a cause that matters deeply to us. We all jumped at the chance. I run a lot; it’s my passion. I think it’s brilliant to be able to do something I love in support of this collective momentum,” says Colin Lucas, who is running a marathon in three weeks, along with two other teammates. “We’re doing it as a personal challenge, in competitive, high-speed mode, but above all for the cause we’re defending.”

Others were less focused on performance. Auriane Hochet, there on behalf of LOBA, which supports women affected by sexual violence through therapeutic dance workshops, was even considering walking before the start. Only five of them ran, including a few men. The mixed team reflected the organisation’s mission: supporting women affected by violence while raising awareness among men too.