A huge success for the 8th edition of the “Défi rose” in Menton. A few days before the start, registrations for the 5 km walk and run were already full. And for good reason: on Sunday October 21, 850 people converged on the Sablettes esplanade and donated their bodies to the fight against breast cancer.
A very common disease among women. Nearly 60,000 new cases are detected each year, according to figures from Public Health France. 12,000 did not survive. Very often, because the cancer was detected too late. This is why the “Pink October” campaign exists: to encourage women to get tested and raise funds for research.
As part of this global campaign, several actions are being carried out throughout France. And in the space of a few years, the Menton Pink Challenge has established itself as THE mobilization east of the Alpes-Maritimes.
“It works very well”comments a member of the organization. Among the locals – Intermarché employees, hospital staff, athletes -, like Maralpins.
Nadine and Sylvia, aged 48 and 41, came from La Roquette-sur-Siagne and Peymeinade to take on the challenge. “I already did it last year and it was nice”confides Sylvia. “We trained on purpose”adds Nadine. For those who missed the kick-off… see you next year.
The first walkers
The walkers were the first to set off, at 9 a.m., after the countdown by the mayor of Menton. In the procession, many women, children and families dressed all in pink (even the doggies!) walked along the Sablettes esplanade and the seaside. With smiles on their faces.
Behind-the-scenes preparation
The “Pink October” campaign exists to encourage women to get tested and raise funds for research. Photo Célia Malleck.
During this time, the staff of the municipal social action center and “Menton Plus” prepared the t-shirts for this event, organized in partnership with the CPTS of the French Riviera and the League against Cancer 06.
A zumba class before setting off
Two facilitators offered a short Zumba class to get you in shape. Photo Célia Malleck.
Before the runners set off, two instructors offered a short Zumba class to get them warmed up. Electro music blasting, the participants warmed up the muscles in their thighs… and cheeks, from laughing!
Top start for runners
Between the sea and the colorful facades of the old town, the pink men could not dream of a better setting. Photo Célia Malleck.
9:30 a.m. New start. The runners tread the Sablettes esplanade while the sun plays hide and seek with the clouds.
The air is sweet; the weather is mild. The colors offered by the landscape are sublime. Between the sea and the colorful facades of the old town, the pink men could not dream of a better setting.
La Palmosa director and staff at the finish line
The director of La Palmosa hospital, Mylène Ezavin ran 5 km with a friend and his dog, Nouchka, like around fifty hospital center agents and members of the nursing school. Photo Célia Malleck.
On arrival, the director of La Palmosa hospital, Mylène Ezavin, is not even out of breath.
She ran 5 km with a friend and her dog, Nouchka, like around fifty hospital center agents and members of the nursing school.
“We do this every year, she confides. On is the reference center here. It is important to raise awareness among women about screening. In October, and the rest of the year.”
