At the hospital, care teams are not only dedicated at patients’ bedsides: they also actively take part in community life — and in the fight against cancer — by joining charity runs that give meaning to every stride. Once again this year, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital stepped up for two events that embody strong values: ‘Clermont en Rose’ on October 12 and ‘La Courstache’ on November 2.
A concrete commitment to prevention and support.
These two charity runs are far more than sporting events or opportunities to set records over 10 km or 5 km. They carry a powerful message of solidarity in the fight against cancer and its prevention—particularly breast cancer through Clermont en Rose and male cancers through La Courstache.
CHU professionals joined the races individually, but their involvement went beyond running. Teams from the hospital hosted information stands in the dedicated villages at each event, giving runners and visitors the chance to speak directly with healthcare professionals and learn about the many dimensions of cancer care and prevention.
For both events, all registration fees and donations were donated to local associations and organizations. In fact, the CHU benefited from part of the funds raised by La Courstache in 2024 to support socio-aesthetic care for men. Associations linked to palliative care (ADASP) and fertility preservation (Préfera), both connected to CHU services, regularly receive funds from Clermont en Rose.
For the CHU, taking part in these events means showing support for those affected, promoting supportive care, raising public awareness about screening and physical activity, and strengthening bonds among care teams, administration, volunteers, and families of healthcare professionals.
‘Clermont en Rose’: a commitment that endures over time
On Sunday, October 12, 10,000 runners took off from the center of Clermont-Ferrand to stand together against breast cancer. Among them, 120 CHU professionals and their families answered the call, earning—for the second year in a row—the trophy for the largest team! Congratulations to everyone!
Meanwhile, in the race village, the palliative care teams and Préféra (fertility preservation) hosted their stand to inform and engage with the public about their missions.
‘La Courstache’: an event that’s gaining momentum
On Sunday, November 2 in Aubière, participants and volunteers gathered for the race, sporting real or fake mustaches — a symbol of the fight against male cancers. CHU professionals turned out in force this year, earning the trophy for the company with the highest participation, with 109 runners and their families. The urology team was especially involved, showing up in large numbers and wearing a custom jersey for the occasion: ‘Over 50? Check your PSA!’
CHU teams ran their stands throughout the morning (and the day before) in the dedicated village to explain screening, supportive care, and prevention, and to answer participants’ questions: the urology team focused on prostate cancer, while the AQuaVie day hospital supportive care team and the CHU cancer federation provided broader information.
Races carrying powerful prevention messages
Taking part in charity runs like “Clermont en Rose” and “La Courstache” goes far beyond a simple sporting gesture. First, physical activity itself plays a key role: it contributes to overall well-being, supports patient recovery, and can even reduce the risk of relapse. These events provide the perfect opportunity to share that message.
But the CHU’s commitment also reflects a broader vision of institutional solidarity: as a leading university hospital, the establishment goes beyond individual care to embrace a global public health approach—raising awareness throughout the year and supporting local associations through these races.
Finally, this involvement strengthens internal cohesion: it allows hospital teams to come together outside the clinical setting, share a collective experience, and build stronger bonds among colleagues in a spirit of solidarity and mutual support.
The CHU Clermont-Ferrand’s participation in “Clermont en Rose” and “La Courstache” is far more than symbolic: it’s a powerful statement, carried by healthcare professionals committed to advancing the fight against cancer. Every bib worn, every stride taken, and every interaction at the stands represents a step toward a more informed and united world.
We warmly thank all the volunteer teams behind these races, as well as CHU professionals who contributed by hosting stands or personally joining the runs—turning these events into meaningful moments of sharing and purpose. Let’s run, inform, and support together: every action counts.
