Pasteurdon
Running 20km for the 20th anniversary of Pasteurdon: they did it!
Sunday October 11 saw the 48th edition of the famous "20km de Paris" race. A growing team of Institut Pasteur staff – 73 this year! – took part with their usual enthusiasm and energy, combining their athletic prowess with their individual and collective support for Pasteurdon.
Proudly sporting special 20th anniversary Pasteurdon pins and bibs, they were eager to take to the tarmac as they lined up at the start, opposite the Eiffel Tower, after the traditional group photo in front of the Institut Pasteur stand. The Institut Pasteur's participants all ran their hearts out every step of the way, with every single one crossing the finish line.
The Institut Pasteur President Yasmine Belkaid was with the runners throughout the event. After congratulating the first finishers as they returned to the stand, she joined Ofélia and the seven runners in the "Joëlette Team" at the finish line, then enjoyed celebrating with all the teams.
"Seeing the Institut Pasteur's 73 runners proudly representing Pasteurdon as they completed the 20km de Paris was a wonderfully inspiring moment. A huge thank you to each and every one of you for your commitment and your enthusiasm, and also to all the teams that helped make this event such a memorable opportunity to come together and celebrate each other's achievements."
Yasmine Belkaid, Institut Pasteur President
As announced in the previous newsletter, this year's "20km de Paris" was also a unique experience for seven runners from the Institut Pasteur. Following a series of training sessions with expert runners, Julia Chamot-Rooke, Benoît Chassaing, Nathalie Denoyés, Quentin Lamy-Besnier, Marc Lavigne, Mallory Perrin-Wolff and Timothy Wai were given the opportunity to form a relay team, taking it in turns to push Ofélia Vieira in an all-terrain wheelchair (or "joëlette"). Running with Ofélia over the 20km course was a way of raising awareness of childhood brain stem glioma among the spectators lining the streets.It was a moving moment that highlighted the link between research and those for whom it is carried out, whose lives can be transformed by it.
Testimonials from the runners in the "Joëlette Team":
"Running with the all-terrain wheelchair was an incredibly moving experience in which mutual support, solidarity and collective energy came together to create a sporting achievement. We ran together, driven by a desire to share this adventure with Ofélia. I will remember the strong team spirit, the smiles, the encouragements, and the realization that when we work together, the notion of effort takes on a whole new dimension! But I would add that it wasn't always easy to keep up with the pace!"
Julia Chamot-Rooke, Director of the Mass Spectrometry for Biology Unit
"What an amazing atmosphere over those 20 kilometers! It was amazing to share that with my Institut Pasteur colleagues, and of course with Ofélia, our star of the moment. Thanks to her parents, Mathilde and Michael, for placing their trust in us."
Benoît Chassaing, Head of the Microbiome-Host Interactions G5
"On Sunday, we ran the 20km de Paris while pushing Ofélia in an all-terrain wheelchair, in aid of Pasteurdon and research to tackle childhood cancer. Twenty kilometers run as a relay, full of encouragements and laughter, driven by an incredible atmosphere over the entire route. And an important lesson to remember: efforts don't seem as hard when they are helping someone else. On Sunday, we were able to put a face to our efforts. Thanks to Ofélia and thanks to the team 💙."
Nathalie Denoyés, Vice-President CSR and Technical Resources
"A wonderful journey with the Institut Pasteur team, from meeting the other team members to the training sessions and the final race. It was a unique moment that I will never forget! Thanks to the entire team, and of course to Ofélia."
Quentin Lamy-Besnier, postdoctoral fellow in the Microbiome-Host Interactions G5
"Running the 20km de Paris with Ofélia and the rest of the "Joëlette Team" was an unforgettable experience. It was made possible thanks to the vital support of the communications team, the energy of Mallory, our "Joëlette" captain, the kindness of our trainer Christian, the invaluable logistical support of François and Lola, and the trust of Ofélia's parents. What will stay with me is the team spirit, the cheerful attitude from start to finish and the support during the difficult moments, our calls to donate to Pasteurdon (at the top of our lungs!), the words of encouragement from runners who didn't know us and from colleagues positioned all the way along the course, the active participation of Alban, and crossing the finish line together with the Institut Pasteur President. Finally, and most importantly, I will never forget the kindness and infectious energy of Ofélia. Thank you to our little warrior, and thanks to the entire team. See you again in 2027!"
Marc Lavigne,Research Director, scientist in the MSBio UTechS
"Being captain of the Institut Pasteur's "Joëlette Team" was an absolute joy and an immense honor. Running the 20km de Paris in aid of Pasteurdon and proudly showing the world the Pasteurian spirit of fraternity and commitment was a unique experience. Thank you to our little warrior Ofélia and to her parents for placing their trust in us. Thank you to my incredible team mates, who stepped up to the challenge. This 2026 edition will remain with me forever, with its colors, human kindness and smiles. Thanks to everyone who made it possible!"
Mallory Perrin-Wolff, Head of the SPAIS
"I have taken part in the 20km de Paris many times, but I have never been involved in an edition so infused with enthusiasm, positivity, friendliness and joy. Thank you to Ofélia and all the team for this privilege."
Timothy Wai, Head of the Mitochondrial Biology Unit
Huge congratulations to the 73 runners, to the seven members of the "Joëlette Team," and of course to Ofélia, for their performance and display of solidarity. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
