In Nantes, 15,000 people in the Odysséa race despite the Coronavirus

• About 15,500 participants had registered for the Odysséa race in Nantes this Sunday morning.
• If the majority of them seemed calm, everyone had taken their precautions.

From the podium, the view is impressive. This Sunday morning, a huge crowd gathered at Cours Saint-Pierre in Nantes at the start of the 14th edition of the Odysséa race. According to the organizers, some 15,500 participants, a record, had registered for this sporting event which is mobilized each year for the fight against breast cancer. "Coronavirus or not, we will not stop living," says Julie, 28, after completing the 10 km circuit.

While gatherings of more than 5,000 people in closed environments are prohibited until mid-April, due to the epidemic of Covid 19, this outdoor event has meanwhile been maintained. “All week long, we were in close contact with the prefecture, assure the organizers. Unlike marathons, where people come from everywhere and even from abroad, 97% of those enrolled in Odysséa live in Loire-Atlantique, which is not a cluster of the disease [Sunday, eight cases had been confirmed, 25 in total in Pays-de-la-Loire]. On the other hand, the fifty participants and volunteers who were to come from Morbihan were advised to stay at home. "

Over 15,000 people registered for the Odyssea race this Sunday at #Nantes Impressive crowd! (#Coronavirus or not) pic.twitter.com/6N84eDaaoi

Hydroalcoholic gel, gloves, and motivation

In the departure village, and while the rain continues to fall, three water fountains, equipped with soap, were installed for the occasion. And if the majority of the participants we met seem calm, each one has taken its precautions. Like these white-haired girlfriends, who are preparing to face the 5 km walk, while the crowd of sportsmen in pink t-shirts is denser as they approach the start. "I put on my gloves before getting on the tram, and I won't take them off until I go home," reports one of them. "I brought my little bottle, it will be enough," says another, who covers her hands with hydroalcoholic gel and rubs her fingers thoroughly.

A little further, Corinne, 49, is not at all reassured. "Honestly, I would have preferred it to be canceled," she says. For fear of the virus, I no longer go to the gym so I was not well prepared for the race. My husband convinced me to come, but I didn't want to meet people, either here or on public transport… ”

According to the organizers, very few cancellations were reported, while the solidarity race was sold out three weeks ago. It must be said that for some, motivation seems stronger than anything. "It was important for us to be there," says Anne-Laure, who set off for 5 km with her three children Fanny, Lisa and Malo. I'm there, I'm in remission. Resume sport and participate in Odysséa, it was my challenge to show that I am healed. "

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