An ExtraORdinary Mobilization to Close September in Gold
As every year for nearly 15 years, the last weekend of September was marked by a powerful moment of solidarity: the Children without Cancer race, the flagship event of the Imagine for Margo association. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, thousands of runners and walkers gathered at the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud and virtually from all over the world to support research against pediatric cancers.
From Boston to Lille, via Marseille, Berlin, and London, the mobilization was once again exceptional. This 2025 edition will remain in the history of the race as an extraordinary demonstration of energy, commitment, and above all, hope for families affected by childhood cancer.
A Growing Solidarity Race
Year after year, the event attracts more and more participants. This 14th edition brought together more than 7,500 runners and walkers both on-site and remotely—a slight increase thanks to the virtual format, which testifies to the importance of the cause and the strength of the movement initiated by the association. In total, nearly 40,000 km were covered to accelerate the fight against childhood and adolescent cancer.
Patricia Blanc, president of Imagine for Margo, explained:
“More and more people are feeling concerned about the fight against childhood cancers. Reaching full capacity for our flagship race was unthinkable 14 years ago. Today, seeing these thousands of runners and walkers, dressed in blue and pink, flooding in to carry our message high, is a deeply moving moment. I think of Margo and of all the children who are fighting or have fought against this disease.”
A Check for €2.91 Million Handed to Researchers… and a Global Goal of €12 Million
As tradition dictates, the race ended with the presentation of a record check to researchers. This year, thanks to the mobilization of the participants, the amount reached €2.91 million.
But the wave of solidarity did not stop there. On the same day, similar races inspired by Children without Cancer were held in Luxembourg, Belgium, and Spain, alongside the unwavering support of the Dutch foundation KiKa.
Thanks to this unique international mobilization, Imagine for Margo announced that €12 million will be allocated this year to pediatric cancer research via the European call for projects Fight Kids Cancer.
“Thanks to the commitment of our partners, donors, and runners, we will allocate a historic amount of €12 million in a single year. Today, we are sending a real message of hope to affected families,” emphasized Patricia Blanc.
A Day Full of Energy and Emotion
The day started at 8 a.m. with the opening of the solidarity village. Participants enjoyed festive and sports activities: a Double Dutch performance by Grizzly Paris, a roller dance show by Shaga, and a collective warm-up led by coaches Omar, Clémence, and Anaïs.
At 9:30 a.m., online participants from France, Germany, Morocco, the United States, and beyond joined the live broadcast. Journalist Emma Strack, host of Le Magazine de la Santé, animated the live show. Meanwhile, on-site participants were collecting their bibs, visiting the tattoo stand, or taking pictures in front of the Josepho photo booths.
Shortly before the start, the event host Daniel gathered the crowd for speeches from founders Patricia and Olivier Blanc. Alongside them were Inoxtag, Tony Czech, the French creators’ team, Jordane Saget, Lorem, Valentin Chevalier, and others, setting the stage with excitement among thousands of young people.
At 10 a.m. sharp, an honor guard formed by the Republican Guard and General Lamballe, Deputy Commander of the Guard, officially opened the race. DJ Guillaume set the festive tone as the participants set off.
In total, 7,500 participants, dressed in blue and pink, put their strides in the service of this cause. Alice, mother of Lily (9 years old, now in remission), confided:
“Seeing thousands of people running for our children is an indescribable emotion. It gives us strength and, above all, hope.”
Along the course, the energy never faded: the Republican Guard’s brass band, the Brasis batucada, and more Double Dutch performances kept spirits high. Online runners also enjoyed an immersive experience with Zumba, strength training, and stretching classes led by Justcoaching.
Emotional Moments Shared at the Children without Cancer Race
After the effort came a collective stretching session. Then a symbolic dance, choreographed by Franky Foss, united participants and public figures.
This was followed by the arrival of the “World Cup of Content Creators,” where influencers supporting the association paraded with the trophy and presented a special donation prize.
Top fundraisers were honored for their outstanding commitment. Then came the music: Vianney delivered a magical moment performing Imagine by John Lennon, paying tribute to children who are fighting, and those who now shine among the stars.
Finally, under applause and drum rolls from the Republican Guard, the €2.91 million check was officially handed over to researchers. While the final fundraising total is still being finalized, one certainty remains: thanks to the combined efforts of all partner races across Europe, €12 million will be invested this year to accelerate research.
The day ended beautifully with a concert by Vianney, in a festive and hopeful atmosphere.
Personalities, Partners, and Volunteers: Essential to the Fight
Many personalities such as Vianney, Inoxtag, the French creators’ team, Tony Czech, Jordane Saget (artist), and more joined families to give greater visibility to this cause. The event also relied on the steadfast support of dedicated partners, convinced that solidarity can make a difference.
The reason this race can donate 100% of proceeds to research is thanks to the loyalty of these partners, who cover logistical and technical costs every year. Their commitment is a fundamental pillar of the event’s success.
A huge thank you also goes to the volunteers, without whom none of this would be possible. Their energy, smiles, and availability make this day a true celebration of solidarity.
See You in 2026 for Two New Editions of Children without Cancer
The adventure continues next year:
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In spring 2026, the 7th edition of Children without Cancer City will take place at Paris La Défense.
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On September 27, 2026, the 15th edition of Children without Cancer will be held at the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud and online.
Whether in Paris, Saint-Cloud, or behind your screen anywhere in the world, every stride counts. We all have the power to accelerate research and offer children a future without cancer.
Together, let’s continue to carry this fight high and strong. Let’s keep writing new pages of hope each year. Let’s keep growing this movement of solidarity.