When the region rallies in pink: the Kochersberg and Hochfeldoise pink runs, gestures of solidarity against cancer

2. 2. Pink October: a great opportunity for local action

In France and around the world, Pink October has become a symbolic landmark for drawing attention to the importance of breast cancer screening, raising awareness and uniting action and solidarity around this cause. Local associations, local authorities and sports clubs seize the opportunity to launch challenges, organise walks and runs, and set up information workshops and screening stands.

In our Beau Jardin region, the Foulées Roses du Kochersberg and the Hochfeldoise have taken up the baton, embodying this mobilisation on a local scale. Over and above the figures – registrations paid out, participants – it is the message of solidarity, support for patients and awareness-raising that is at the heart of each of these initiatives.

2. 2. Les foulées roses du Kochersberg: a highly successful event

Putting a figure on the scale of mobilisation

The Foulées Roses du Kochersberg attracted almost 2,500 participants, in a simple but effective format: a 5km or 7km run or walk. Each participant paid a registration fee of €10, all of which was donated to the Ligue contre le cancer – comité 67. The event is organised by the association Un Cœur, Une Vie.

By the afternoon, at the start site in Ittenheim, the entertainment had already begun, in keeping with the festive and unifying spirit of the event.

Around a hundred volunteers were on hand to take care of all the logistics: distributing T-shirts, providing refreshments, supervising the routes, and then sharing a convivial meal of tarts flambées and barbecues at the finish.

A well-established tradition

The Foulées Roses has been held in the Kochersberg for several years, with an edition every autumn. The 2025 edition marks the 8ᵉ anniversary of this event, confirming its deep roots in local community life.

The intelligence of this format lies in its simplicity (5 or 7 km, run or walk) and the clarity of its intention: to unite sport, nature and solidarity. The choice of a rural route means that the event is open to everyone – families, walkers, regular or occasional runners.

Behind the scenes, months of preparation are needed: marking out the route, safety, logistics, mobilisation of volunteers, partnerships with the local authority, local communication… It’s a collective investment.

Highlights and feedback

At the end of the run/walk, after all the effort, it’s time to share: refreshments, grills, tarts flambées… a great moment of conviviality, where participants can chat, rest and celebrate their collective commitment. This ‘festive’ dimension is as essential as the sporting effort in making this type of initiative a human experience.

Some participants commented on the beauty of the route: “Running in the fields, breathing in the air, feeling the silent communion with others”, simple words but full of meaning. The success of this year’s event confirms that it meets a local need: to come together for a cause, in a cheerful and accessible setting.

2. 2. La Hochfeldoise: growing support in the Zorn region

Key figures

La Hochfeldoise, in its 4thᵉedition, took place on Sunday 12 October. It attracted almost 3,200 runners and walkers (including around 2,950 paying registrants and 200-300 children) – a record turnout for this event.

The 5km route was accessible to all, and all the proceeds (from registrations) went to theCœur des Sables Association, which helps cancer patients in Alsace.

In the run-up to the event, some 60 volunteers were on hand to provide the essential services: welcome, refreshments, route marking and safety. A collective warm-up, led by the Fitness Barbie collective, preceded the start, ensuring a unifying atmosphere from the outset.

Over the first three editions, the Hochfeldoise has raised more than €135,000, including €55,000 in 2024 alone.

A cause and a region

La Hochfeldoise was born of a desire to unite the people of the Zorn region around the cause of breast cancer. Today, it has established itself as a key annual event, mobilising associations, local authorities, local businesses and the general public around a gesture of solidarity.

For this 4th edition, the accessible 5 km route runs through the town centre and districts of Hochfelden, under the sign of “pink”: decorations, balloons, festive participation. In the morning, there was a succession of starts: a run and then a walk, depending on the profile of the participants.

The growing number of participants, the increase in takings and the positive feedback from local residents and the local media show that the Hochfeldoise is now much more than just a race: it’s a collective, festive and committed event.

Entertainment and festivities

The Hochfeldoise is more than just a route and a finish line: the organisers make sure that the day is a time for life. Before the start, a collective warm-up with Fitness Barbie got the participants in a good mood. Shops got into the spirit, decorating their windows in the colours of the event. The day was punctuated by information stands, musical entertainment and surprises.

The decision to include children (between 200 and 300 young people took part) was a particularly strong one: to convey the idea that even the youngest can get involved, and to encourage the whole family to walk, run, share and raise awareness.

Last but not least, the fact that all the proceeds will be donated makes the event transparent, supportive and true to the spirit of Pink October.