More than 2,200 runners took the start of the seventh edition of the 24 Hours Saint-Pierre, in Palavas

Plusieurs centaines de personnes étaient réunies au départ de la course Midi Libre – F. M.

L’événement a débuté ce samedi midi. Fin des festivités ce dimanche midi. Près de 450 000 € ont déjà été récoltés pour les enfants de l’institut.

The 24 Heures Saint-Pierre has begun! This 7th edition began under a beautiful sun this Saturday, June 15, morning with several hundred people gathered on the Plage des Coquilles opposite the Institute in Palavas-les-Flots.

“A triple challenge”

This unique event aims to raise funds for sick and disabled children, all in a festive and friendly atmosphere. “It's a triple challenge, both sporting, charitable and festive”, explains Marie-Anne Sportes, general delegate of the Saint-Pierre foundation.

The organizers, officials from Palavas and Pays de l’Or thanked the participants through several speeches that preceded the departure. “Thank you for your heart", underlined the mayor of Palavas, Christian Jeanjean. At noon, the children of the institute symbolically set off, followed by the participants for the start of the 24H Run.

The children thank the participants from the Institute. Free Midi – F.M.

This year, there are 235 teams, 2,239 riders and more than 443,000,000 euros; collected at the start of the race. Something new was added this year with the "Warriors", solo runners who also raised funds for the event. This is the case of Florian Cabanel, who collected a nice sum of money and who set off this Saturday morning alone, supported by his family.

The work of volunteers is also worth highlighting with nearly 400 people gathered over the two days with young people from the Universal National Service, retirees, students, families of hospitalized children but also professionals from the Institute. "This is the complement to our work, participating in the event for children. This is super important, it allows the institute to have additional funding, explain Delphine and Julie, employees of the Institute.

Olympics between land and sea

All weekend several activities are organized such as Olympics between land and sea as well as a short format run. The merchants of Palavas have also decorated their restaurants and shops in the colors 24 hours for the whole weekend. The event continues until this Sunday noon with the arrival of the Run 24H and the closing ceremony with the presentation of the check collected thanks to everyone's efforts.