Portrait of the Month: Carine Durr – Commitment at the Heart of La Hochfeldoise

2. 2. From a challenge amongst politicians to an unmissable event

The story of ‘La Hochfeldoise’ began almost as a challenge. Six years ago, around sixty residents of Hochfelden had got into the habit of taking part together in ‘La Strasbourgeoise’. In light of this commitment, the mayor of Hochfelden put forward an idea: why not launch a charity run of their own in Hochfelden?

The proposal was quickly well received. For Carine Durr and those close to her, the cause held a very special significance.

“We had all – directly or indirectly – been affected by breast cancer within our families or among our friends and acquaintances,” she explains.

And so the “Hochfeldoise” was born. From the very start, it had a goal that went far beyond simply running or walking: to bring the local community together, raise awareness of the disease and provide practical help to those affected by cancer.

Five editions on, the initiative appears to have been a success.

2. 2. The ‘Hochfeldoise’ – an adventure that became a community endeavour

What makes Carine particularly proud today is the enthusiasm that the event has generated over the years.

Families, friends, clubs, businesses, retailers and volunteers: a whole section of the region has gradually embraced ‘La Hochfeldoise’. Almost a hundred partners, organisations and shops are now part of this movement.

And the involvement is no longer limited to the day of the run. Throughout October, there are more and more initiatives: pink shop windows, a ‘pink’ fair, talks, football and handball matches in the colours of ‘La Hochfeldoise’, ‘pink’ training sessions organised by various clubs…

All these activities help to keep the spirit of solidarity alive beyond the event itself.

Over the course of four editions, more than 10,200 participants have taken part in this adventure. More than 198,000 euros have been donated to ‘Cœur des Sables’, which has enabled, in particular, the funding of around 1,400 wellness sessions and the care of 120 patients.

In the 2025 edition alone, “La Hochfeldoise” attracted 3, 000 participants and enabled a donation of 62,025 euros to “Cœur des Sables”. This year, 40 patients received care and 622 wellness sessions were provided.

Behind these figures lies, above all, a commitment to helping others that grows year on year.

2. 2. Running and walking to support those who are ill

Whilst “La Hochfeldoise” is naturally part of the “Pink October” movement and the campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer, its commitment now goes one step further.

“With this event, we want to support the fight against breast cancer, but also against all other types of cancer, whether affecting children, men or women,” emphasises Carine.

The proceeds donated to “Cœur des Sables” make it possible to offer wellbeing programmes and support services in the Pays de la Zorn for people with the disease or those in remission.

Cooking, sport, psychological support, talks… These services are designed to provide spaces where people affected by the disease can receive support that goes beyond their medical treatment.

That is precisely what makes the event so meaningful for Carine: behind every race number lies a very tangible contribution to supporting people in the region.

“Who doesn’t have someone in their circle who is ill?” she asks.

2. 2. A commitment that extends beyond ‘La Hochfeldoise’

Solidarity in the fight against cancer is also evident elsewhere in the region. On 3 October, the “Foulées Roses du Kochersberg” in Furdenheim will also be taking part in this initiative.

Far from seeing this as competition between the events, Carine emphasises above all their shared goal: to help those affected by the disease and to raise awareness amongst as many people as possible.

“These events are characterised by solidarity and compassion, and show that by joining forces we can drive forward the fight against the disease and offer genuine support to those affected.”

Incidentally, prevention remains one of the key messages she wishes to convey.

“Cancer affects us all; it doesn’t just affect other people. No one is immune to it. Prevention and early detection are essential if we are to drive the disease back.”

2. 2. A fifth edition dedicated entirely to the family

On Sunday, 11 October 2026, ‘La Hochfeldoise’ will be celebrating its fifth anniversary. And for this anniversary edition, the organisers have prepared a number of new features.

Among other things, participants can look forward to a revised routeand a treasure hunt for children. There will also be a new dessert … not to mention a few surprises that the team would like to keep under wraps for now.

This is because ‘La Hochfeldoise’ attaches great importance to its identity: that of a supportive, yet family-friendly and festive event.

The meeting point is the sports ground in Hochfelden for a 5-kilometre route, with a run starting at 10.00 and a walk at 10.30. The route takes participants to the Fischerhett, with entertainment on offer at the start, along the route and at the finish.

This means everyone can take part at their own pace, whether they exercise regularly, go for the occasional walk, or have simply come to enjoy the moment with their family.

And to win over the last few undecided participants, Carine even offers an unbeatable argument with a smile: “The weather’s always lovely at the Hochfeldoise!”

Aside from the weather, she promises above all “a lovely morning in idyllic surroundings” around the ponds, with a guaranteed good atmosphere from the warm-up right through to the finish.

2. 2. “Let’s march, run and move forward together against cancer”

When asked for three good reasons to take part in ‘La Hochfeldoise’, Carine doesn’t hesitate for long: solidarity, the joy of sharing a moment with her family, and the chance to make a difference in her own way.

Three reasons that, ultimately, sum up the spirit of the event quite well.

For behind the thousands of participants, the kilometres covered and the funds raised, “La Hochfeldoise” is, above all, a testament to what a region is capable of when its residents decide to come together and get involved.

A shared adventure that, five years on from its inception, continues to grow and conveys a simple message: every gesture counts in the fight against the disease.

Whether you’d like to walk or run on 11 October, whether with family, friends or colleagues – come to Hochfelden to help advance the fight against cancer together.