Albert Courau runs to break the silence around youth suicide

For several months now, Albert Courau has been running. Not just for sport, or even for the challenge. He runs for his friend Gaspard, who died far too young, and for every young person facing mental health struggles. At 23, Albert has chosen to turn his grief into action and every stride into a message of hope.

A passion born in the mountains

Albert discovered running at the age of 20. Originally from Lyon, he grew up close to the Alps, with a family home in Combloux, Haute-Savoie. A lover of the outdoors, he swapped his hiking boots for running shoes. Exploring the trails became a way to clear his head and reconnect with himself. Now based in Paris, he splits his training between mountain trails and pavement, as city life demands.

An engagement born from tragedy

The real turning point in Albert’s life came three years ago, with the death of his friend Gaspard, whom he met in preparatory school. A shock. A sudden loss. A heavy silence, as (too) often happens when suicide is involved. Albert shared this statistic with us: “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds.” He refuses to let that reality remain hidden, so he decided to act: to break the silence, to let young people know they are not alone, and to force society to face this public health emergency.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds.
Albert Courau

Running to raise awareness, running to start a conversation

One day, Albert listened to an episode of the LEGEND podcast, in which author and grieving mother Anne-Dauphine Julliand speaks with heartbreaking strength about her children, including her son Gaspard, who died by suicide. “A mother who lost 3 of her 4 children explains how she tries to cope”. Listening to it proved a turning point. The words were finally out in the open. The taboo was broken. For Albert, the path was clear: he would run for this cause. To raise awareness, build connections and make sport a vehicle for advocacy.

One race bib at a time

Since then, the races have come one after another: SaintéLyon, SaintExpress, Trace des Maquisards, Bali Trail Running… Distances have reached 50 km, with 3,000 m of elevation gain. Each race becomes a message and an outstretched hand. On August 25, Albert will take on the MCC, one of the races held as part of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, from Martigny-Combe to Chamonix. A 40 km challenge with 2,350 m of elevation gain. His loved ones will be there to cheer him on. A symbolic, almost intimate moment in the valley where his passion began.

A fundraiser for research

Beyond the symbolism, Albert wants his commitment to have a tangible impact. An online fundraiser has been launched to support a study on psychological distress among young people, conducted by the Femme Mère Enfant Hospital (HFME) in partnership with the Hospices Civils de Lyon Foundation (HCL). The aim is to better understand the risk factors and develop effective prevention initiatives.

To support the “Des KM pour la santé mentale” fundraiser, click here.

A message of hope

After speaking with Albert, we were struck by his generosity, strength of character and maturity. Through every race and every word, he reminds us that pain can be turned into fuel, and memory into action.

Well done for your dedication, and for your commitment. Good luck at the MCC, and make the most of every moment. In this article, we want to pay special tribute to Anne-Dauphine Julliand, Gaspard’s mother, and of course remember Gaspard.