The annual Odyssea race, taking place this March in Nantes, has once again demonstrated its unyielding momentum as it recorded the highest attendance and fundraising totals since its inception. Launched in 2002 by three athletic friends in Paris, the Odyssea race has expanded its reach, now occurring in over a dozen cities across France, with Nantes serving as the inaugural stop this year.
This year’s race set records, with 19,500 participants taking part, either running through the streets of Nantes or joining the cause through the Odyssea website. Organized by the local Racing Club Nantais and supported by around 20 volunteers, the event has become emblematic of the fight against breast cancer.
"Every year, it’s heartwarming to see not just the numbers but the spirit of solidarity as families and friends converge to support this cause," said one of the organizers. The race includes four individual categories: a 10 km timed race, 5 km run, children's race, and community walk, each set to begin from the cours Saint-Pierre, the only location capable of accommodating the extensive crowd.
The energy of the event is palpable, with participants spanning all ages motivated by personal reasons to join the cause. This year’s total donations soared to €193,000, marking the highest amount ever achieved since the event began. "The support we receive is invaluable, and it reflects the community’s strength and commitment to fighting breast cancer," noted another race organizer.
Since its inception, the Odyssea race has raised over €1,120,900 dedicated to patient care and research. Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women, with approximately 900,000 individuals affected across France, according to the Ligue contre le cancer. Every year, the disease sees 61,214 new cases diagnosed, resulting in 12,146 deaths last year alone. This grim statistic underlines the urgency of the Odyssea race and its fundraising efforts.
For many participants, the race is not just about running; it embodies hope and resilience. Participants like Marie Dupont, who lost her sister to breast cancer, joined to honor her memory. "Events like Odyssea unite us and remind us of the fight we continue everyday," she shared.
The local community engagement is also visible through this event, with various businesses and sponsors stepping up to support the race. Volunteers from different local organizations come together, helping manage the route, dealing with city obstacles, including construction works, and ensuring the safety of all participants.
The city of Nantes also coordinated with local transportation services to accommodate the influx of racers and attendees. Tram service on Ligne 1 saw interruptions between Gare Nord and Commerce from 8:45 AM until 2:00 PM on race day, with additional adjustments made to other lines to streamline operations and reroute participants arriving from various parts of the city.
All participants eagerly awaited the starting gun, which rang across the city as they launched off the starting line at Cours Saint-Pierre. This visible symbol of resilience attracted not only racers but also thousands of supporters who lined the streets, cheering them on. "We run to win, but most of all, we run to support each other and those still fighting against this disease," remarked participant Claire Moreau.
With community spirit at its core, the Odyssea race has proven to be more than just a race; it’s a significant step toward battling breast cancer. The funds raised this year will go directly to research initiatives and support programs aiding local patients, reinforcing the life-saving potential of community involvement.
Looking forward, organizers express hope for continued growth as they launch plans for the race's future. "If we can keep these numbers going up, we will continue to make differences in lives through the funding we provide," expressed another organizer. The future of the Odyssea race appears brighter than ever, fueled by the unwavering support of those touched by breast cancer.
The Odyssea race symbolizes hope, activism, and the power of community—an enduring reminder of what can be achieved when people come together for a shared purpose. With every step taken by participants, the vision of reducing breast cancer's impact grows stronger, marking each year not just as another race but as another significant stride toward victory against this disease.