Charity Runs : When Running Becomes a Meaningful Act

Combining your passion for running with supporting a cause you care about is possible thanks to charity races and solidarity bibs – two great ways to give even more meaning to a practice already deeply rooted among enthusiasts.

Crossing the finish line of a 10K or a marathon brings a unique sense of accomplishment that’s hard to match. Of course, earning that first “finisher” status leaves an even deeper mark – a milestone that opens the door to the wide-open world of running. For some, it’s a turning point. They’ll never leave this world behind, for reasons only other runners can truly understand. For others, pride takes over. The thrill of pushing their limits becomes a value they embrace as newcomers. To relive the experience, they’ll seek new sources of motivation. Supporting a cause often turns out to be the key – and that commitment can take them far beyond what they ever imagined.

| The Essence of Charity Runs and the Rise of Solidarity Bibs

Many charity runs were born out of grassroots solidarity initiatives. To raise awareness and rally public support, the founders of these events tapped into the running boom as a way to generate vital funds for their causes.

➜ This year, the launch of UNICEF’s 10K left a lasting impression, bringing together 10,000 people in the fight against child malnutrition. Backed by numerous public figures, the first edition of the event was a resounding success. With a bold statement, UNICEF dedicated the race to its work supporting children facing food insecurity in conflict zones and regions severely impacted by climate change. The presence of several influencers on March 2 in the Bois de Boulogne helped raise awareness of the cause and attract donations, aiming for the €100,000 needed to deploy teams on the ground. Two free children’s races (1 km and 3 km) also drew 1,000 young participants for the occasion. Françoise Parage claimed victory in 37:21, smiling widely on that chilly yet sunny March morning.

➜ Since 2010, the Heroes Run has brought together thousands of runners each year, raising over €20 million for more than 200 charities. Teams, formed under the banner of a company or association and led by a team captain, sign up to take part in the event in their chosen city. Bordeaux, Lyon, and Paris each host the race between May and June, with an additional virtual edition scheduled for June 22. Runners registered through a company support one or more causes selected by the organizers, or they can choose to back a charity or foundation of their own. Those running on behalf of an association raise funds specifically for its cause. This year’s “Cause of the Year” highlighted by the Heroes Run is social inclusion through sport in France, in partnership with the charity Sport dans la Ville. To secure their spot, individual participants must raise a minimum of €250, while teams need to collect at least €450 in donations.

➜ For the past 13 years, runners have been able to take part in the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon while supporting a cause close to their hearts. Since 2012, nearly €9 million has been raised, funding numerous projects for charitable organizations. The concept is simple : set up a fundraising page, open a donation pot on the platform for one of the suggested charities, and raise at least €420 (that’s €10 per kilometer) to secure your race bib. This year’s featured charity was the Gustave Roussy Institute, dedicated to the fight against cancer. The organizers highlight several reasons to encourage participation: raising public awareness, the personal satisfaction of making an impact, guaranteed entry once the fundraising goal is met (a big plus given the high demand for this iconic race), and reduced registration fees.

| Growing Enthusiasm Among the New Generation of Runners

Taking part with a solidarity bib or joining a charity run means combining sport with commitment. Even for those who aren’t hardcore runners, getting involved in these events is a way to try something new, break the routine, and keep up a steady training rhythm.

This growing interest in humanitarian races is linked to the current boom in running, but also to the chance to get a bib through a meaningful route — without having to face the usual struggles to secure one. It’s also about the need to feel useful in a world where hope sometimes falters, to not give up on distant but very real causes like poverty, climate change, or various illnesses.

Running to highlight a charity is much more than just a gesture — it’s concrete action. Every kilometer counts, every step supports a cause. Motivation stays strong because every kilometer matters. The collective effort turns the race into a true solidarity event, involving family, friends, and the community. The charity gains more visibility as runners act like ambassadors, spreading the word to a wider audience.

| Profiles of Three Dedicated Female Runners

As an ambassador for the UNICEF 10K, Agathe Van Viet (@agatouvv) has taken part in several solidarity runs. When she was invited to join the movement, she wasn’t running regularly anymore, so it was the perfect opportunity to get back into it officially. For six weeks, motivated by the cause, the content creator trained for the big day. Her goal was to encourage her community to show generosity by supporting the fight against child malnutrition. Three months after this fresh start, the photographer and videographer kept racing, all the way to the adidas 10K Paris, and now “running is a core part of her life.” Injured in 2019, she dared to return to competition thanks to this event. Last March, at the 8th kilometer, she had to remind herself: “I’m not running for me, I have to do it for the charity.” The same mindset was there on June 8, at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, where she ran with no pressure for performance, representing the Gustave Roussy Institute : “Maybe I won’t set a great time, but I’m running for a reason bigger than myself, and that’s what matters.” The reason she refers to is the fight against cancer. In just a few hours, Agathe raised the €150 needed to take part in the Paris race. Driven by the cause, she gave it her all — “not giving up, not quitting, because it pushes you to give your best.”

Another incredible woman got involved with the Gustave Roussy Institute. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, Christine Custoias achieved an amazing feat on April 13, 2025. To celebrate her 50th birthday and live life to the fullest, this true epicurean took on a big challenge : running the Paris Marathon with a solidarity bib to raise funds against cancer. For her, running is crucial for her mindset. Taking a solidarity bib was essential because this mother of three feels deeply grateful to the Gustave Roussy Institute, where she was treated, supported, and continues to be cared for. She says, “I ran the last kilometers with my heart and my mind. My mental strength gave it everything.” Running this marathon had been a dream since she was young. “It felt obvious”, says the founder of the Soleil Rose association, created to leave a meaningful legacy, “because research never moves fast enough when you’re personally affected.” Today, she’s enjoying this achievement, which brought her a flood of emotions. “During the marathon, I laughed, I was scared, I remembered everything I went through during my treatments. I cried (lots of tears of joy), because I’m still alive”, concludes this woman who survived one of the biggest challenges our society faces.

Céline Pattou and her team, “5 bornes eh oh” will be running in La Course des Héros on June 15th for the Bornéo Nature Foundation. Borneo—the third largest island in the world after Greenland and New Guinea—is still pretty unknown to most people. To help “keep one of the Earth’s green lungs alive” and support the conservation of this wildlife-rich island, a team of superheroes has come together. Céline, an experienced baker specializing in plant-based recipes, was lucky enough to be part of it. As a regular runner, she saw this as “a way to combine something useful with something enjoyable.” Deeply connected to ecological causes, she wanted to get involved in something meaningful to her. “I do what I can, but at least I try to do something to help protect our planet”, she says. Encouraged by a friend who works with the Bornéo Nature Foundation NGO, she got motivated to join the race. To make it happen, she formed a team by reaching out to her close friends : “It just happened naturally. Having friends who are always ready to take on challenges is rare and precious, and I have some who will run alongside me.” Raising the registration funds wasn’t always easy, but she found ways to bounce back : “It’s not always easy to talk about it or ask for money, especially in tough times. But the fundraiser grew bit by bit. The four of us reached 52% of our goal before a partner company stepped in to help, and since then, we’ve even surpassed it!”

What if running became an act of solidarity ? Taking a bib for a cause turns a simple sports challenge into a personal commitment. So, why wait any longer to give it a try ? Even if you’re not a regular runner, it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, with others, and with something bigger than yourself.

Sabine LOEB
Journalist