At the invitation of the organization Peace and Sport, the charitable partner of the event, several legends of athletics will participate in the race this year. Paula Radcliffe, the marathon world record holder, will be the patron of the 2013 edition at the initiative of Peace and Sport.
Wilson Kipketer, patron of the Peace and Sport team, will participate in a 2013 edition marked by solidarity, which will also include Hicham El Guerrouj, Marc Raquil, and Vénuste Niyongabo.
A distinguished group, stars, even legends… Radcliffe, Kipketer, El Guerrouj, Raquil… For any runner with respect for themselves, these evocative names are synonymous with high-level performances… 3 Olympic titles, 8 world championships, and numerous world records… This is the incredible track record of these Champions for Peace who are mobilizing for Peace and Sport.
Created in 2009, the Champions for Peace club brings together high-level athletes, whether still active or not, who wish to contribute some of their time, energy, and experience to the cause of Peace through Sport. They number more than 70, and notable figures among them include Novak Djokovic, Jonah Lomu, Sébastien Loeb, and Christian Karembeu, who have also joined the movement.
This year, at the invitation of Peace and Sport, long-distance and middle-distance specialists have agreed to participate in this magnificent race focused on solidarity. The runners of the Peace and Sport team, who are raising funds for the organization’s field projects, will have the chance to meet their idols and run alongside them.
Paula Radcliffe will start the 2013 edition
Paula Radcliffe, a true icon in running and holder of the top 3 all-time female marathon performances, will be the patron of the 2013 edition, where she will start the race to spotlight Peace and Sport’s work: “I believe sport has an important role to play and can bring a lot to everyone, just as it has brought to me. Giving something back, trying to make a difference is important to me. Sport can unite people, reduce differences, and contribute to Peace, unity, and understanding, which is what Peace and Sport is trying to do. I believe together we can make a lasting change and improve the daily lives of many people.”
The solidarity race, an idea that is gaining traction…
Inspired by the greatest marathons (New York, London, Boston,…), Peace and Sport came up with the idea of recruiting a team of solidarity runners for the Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes Marathon. In addition to participating in the marathon, they commit to raising a sum of money (€250) which will be fully donated to field projects.
Joël Bouzou, Founding President of Peace and Sport declares: In 2 years, over €80,000 have been raised and redistributed to Peace and Sport partners on the ground. This money has notably helped organize Trans-Border Games between Rwanda, Burundi, and D.R.C., a region marked by recent genocide where sports and its values contribute to reconciliation between these three countries. It has also helped build sports infrastructure, purchase equipment, and train local coaches in the countries where we are present. We are therefore very pleased with our partnership with the Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes Marathon and hope to have another successful fundraising year to continue helping communities in need.”
Wilson Kipketer, patron of the Peace and Sport team adds: “I ran the New York Marathon for Peace and Sport in 2011, my first marathon. An unforgettable memory. I return to this distance at the Alpes-Maritimes Nice-Cannes Marathon to beat my personal record but also to highlight the work of Peace and Sport’s field teams who, like me, are convinced that sport is a wonderful tool to bring people together. So if you too believe sport can change the lives of hundreds of children around the world, join our team and let’s run together!”
