© Sine Qua Non Run
The Sine Qua Non Run launches “Les Bruits qui courent” ahead of its race on March 28
For almost eight years now, the Sine Qua Non Run, a race that aims to stamp out gender-based and sexual violence, has been held in the heart of Paris. To mark the event, scheduled for March 28, the Sine Qua Non association has launched a citizen consultation called “Les Bruits qui courent” (Rumors). The sporting experience promises to be immersive, with other new features to come.
Last year, no fewer than 6,000 runners took part, divided between the 6 km and 10 km races. Purple dots filled the streets of the capital around Place de la République, a symbol of unity and struggle. Meanwhile, 65,000 people across France were excited to join the movement by taking part in the Strava challenge. A taste of what awaits the many participants at this 8th edition, which will once again bring people together to stamp out gender-based and sexual violence, which women too often suffer in sport, on the streets, and in everyday life.
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Comments are flooding in under the post on Sine Qua Non Run’s Instagram account. Some are heartwarming, others are almost tear-jerking. Proof that this race is a highlight for a multitude of women: beginners ready to take on the challenge, as well as seasoned athletes who see this collective movement as a different way to run a 10K. In fact, several female celebrities will be at the starting line, proudly wearing the race’s purple jersey. Audrey Pulvar, journalist, radio and television host, and ecofeminist from Martinique, will be there. Claire Passas, finalist of Koh-Lanta 2025, has also marked the date in her calendar.
For women interested in the event but concerned about the effort required, the Sine Qua Non association has teamed up with Les Belles Foulées. On February 12, a free masterclass led by Pauline Bouzom, founder of the community, provided an opportunity to learn more about the 10K, focusing on the “three pillars you overlook that change everything,” with a special guided session and expert advice on how to achieve the best possible finish.
Another way to get started with running and prepare for the March event is to join a Squad. Across France, numerous groups, created on the initiative of the association, enable runners to stay motivated while feeling safe. Ambassadors support runners in their desire to exercise, improve, and assert themselves in spaces that are sometimes dominated by men.
| The citizen consultation “Les Bruits qui courent” (Rumors), essential for moving forward
Structured in three stages “Name it, Share it, Change it” the citizen consultation clearly aims to take action. But the first step, designed to better understand what women experience when they practice outdoor sports and what it would take for them to do so anywhere, freely and safely, takes the form of a questionnaire. Since January 24, it has been possible to respond anonymously, in about ten minutes, to 30 questions in an attempt to answer the main one: “What would it take for every woman to be able to practice her sport anywhere, freely and safely?”
The Sine Qua Non Run association aims to reach a wide audience of female athletes (runners, basketball players, soccer players, walkers, trail runners, etc.) so that the results are as representative of the population as possible. The more feedback and experiences we gather, the more public policy and the practices of sports event organizers will be able to take this issue into account. By January 10, 1,200 respondents had already completed the questionnaire. The goal is to reach 10,000 responses by March.
The next step will take the form of a consultation open to all, in order to share findings, generate ideas, and collectively develop proposals. All of this work will result in the drafting of a white paper, intended for public policy makers and the sports movement. Finally, the last step will be to define concrete commitments by drafting a charter and implementing concrete actions with local authorities. The goal remains the same as for all of Sine Qua Non’s actions: to remove barriers to practice and take concrete action to promote gender equality.
If running 6 km is out of the question for some people, but being part of the movement is still important, joining the volunteer team, which is still incomplete, is an excellent option. What could be better than experiencing the human, supportive, and inspiring Sine Qua Non Run from the inside? As a volunteer, anyone can get involved in an important cause by working behind the scenes at the event: welcoming participants, managing the cloakroom, providing directions along the route, ensuring safety, helping with logistics, handing out medals, and above all, offering encouragement and smiles.
➜ Register for the Sine Qua Non Run
Sabine LOEB
Journaliste
