RACE. More than 2,200 women walked or ran in the first edition of the La Joséphine race in Drummondville. To mark the occasion, the streets of the city center were colored pink on Sunday morning.
For Catherine Lassonde, councilor for District 3 and sports delegate, this first lecture couldn’t have gone better.
Catherine Lassonde spoke to the runners before the start. (Photo: Louis-Philippe Samson)
“It is extraordinary and unexpected that so many women are committed to the cause at a first edition. We were treated to a perfect temperature; We couldn’t ask for anything better. “I am very satisfied and there will definitely be a second edition next year,” said Ms. Lassonde, who wanted to highlight the work of everyone involved in the organization and partners.
The goals were achieved both in terms of the number of runners and the amount donated to the René Verrier Foundation. Before departure, a check for $10,000 was presented at 10 a.m.
“The René Verrier Foundation helps people in our community. It’s nice to see women helping each other. Participants included cancer survivors and others whose loved ones were struggling with the disease. It was completely normal to give something back to this organization today,” the councilor added.
While the first presentation is barely over, Catherine Lassonde has big ambitions for the 2024 race. She wants to double the amount given to an organization and reach the 3,000 participant mark. But first she points out that it is still possible to donate through La Joséphine, while online donations are still possible on the René Verrier Foundation website.
“Inspiring”
The observation was unanimous among the runners and walkers. The Joséphine was a unifying event for women.
“I loved. It was inspiring and motivating to run with so many women. I ran with my daughter; it was very enjoyable. We motivated each other,” shared Carolyne Messier.
Maggie Gagnon, Alicia Bui, Yesica Cifuentes, Carolyne Messier and Amélie Bartholomé. (Photo: Louis-Philippe Samson)
“I found it so encouraging that all these women were able to take part in an event like this as a sign of charity,” added Alicia Bui, Ms. Messier’s daughter.
“It was a first for me. I really liked the great energy we had with a great group of women,” added Maggie Gagnon, who ran with friends.
The race ran along Heriot, Brock, Lindsay and Dorion streets before joining Saint-Georges street, where runners crossed the Saint-François river. They then turned onto Rue Montplaisir before returning over the Curé-Marchand Bridge towards Woodyatt Park. This trip was also appreciated by the participants.
“It was a very good race. We had a very nice trip. There were a lot of people on the sidelines cheering us on. It was very motivating and inspiring to see the community come together for the same goal,” said Joanne Veilleux and Marie Dumas.
“We were also lucky with the good weather. The weather is very nice today,” continued Catherine Bibeau, who accompanied Ms. Veilleux and Ms. Dumas.
“I loved the atmosphere. It was motivating to have people cheering us on the street. It pushes us to surpass ourselves,” commented Andrey Fontaine and Maude Tremblay.
Some even traveled from Quebec City to attend.
An honor for the people of Yonnais
Remember, La Joséphine was born in Drummondville’s sister city, La Roche-sur-Yon, France. A delegation of Yonnais municipal officials was on hand to attend the event. It goes without saying that everyone was happy to see the people of Drummondville come together in this way.
Patricia Murail-Gentreau and Myriam Ratier, elected officials from La Roche-sur-Yon. (Photo: Louis-Philippe Samson)
“It is an honor to take part in this first edition and represent the elected representatives of La Roche-sur-Yon,” said Myriam Ratier, elected youth delegate. We could clearly see that the Joséphines of Drummondville were excited. They all walked and ran for the cause. It’s a very good start and even a success.”
“Breast cancer is the core of our problems. Seeing a pink wave in Drummondville is moving, said Patricia Murail-Gentreau, city councilor in charge of health and prevention. The people of Drummondvillois can be proud of this first edition. When we started the race, it also started with 2,200 people. Nine years later there are already 20,000 runners. And there are even men who dress up as women when running because they want to participate in their own way.”
Drummondville is the first town outside of France to welcome La Joséphine. La Roche-sur-Yon has taken steps to present it in Cáceres in Spain and Senegal.
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