21st Lions Paris 9 Run Set for May 31, 2026: A Race for Inclusive Education

Sophie LaurentApril 19, 20261 Mins read65

Summarize:

Paris, April 19, 2026 – The 21st edition of the Lions Paris 9 Run, a sporting and charitable event, is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, 2026. Organized by the Lions Club Paris Helen Keller, this unique race is dedicated to promoting inclusive education for children with disabilities.

An Intergenerational and Inclusive Event in the Heart of Paris

The Lions Paris 9 Run transforms the streets of the 9th arrondissement into a vibrant space for community engagement. The 2026 edition will feature routes passing through iconic landmarks such as the Opéra Garnier, the Église de la Trinité, the Église Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, and Place Saint-Georges.

Designed for all ages and abilities, the race offers three distinct formats:

1.5 km – The Family Run: Accessible from age 5, this festive and friendly course encourages children and families to participate in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
5 km – Discover the Ninth: An accessible and friendly format to explore the district in a different way, without a performance objective.
10 km – The Sports Challenge: A technical and demanding course for experienced runners, combining sporting challenge and solidarity.

The 9th arrondissement’s varied terrain, with its ascents, descents, and flat sections, promises a dynamic and engaging sporting experience.

Running with Purpose: Supporting Inclusive Education

As running continues to grow in popularity in France, the Lions Paris 9 Run fully embraces the concept of “useful running,” where every individual effort contributes to a collective impact. In 2025, 80% of registration fees, totaling over 27,000 euros, were donated to the Helen Keller Fund. These funds were used to finance:

Specialized educational equipment for schools.
Adapted educational tools.
Individualized support for students.
Awareness campaigns on inclusion for families and educational teams.

Combining athletic challenge, cultural discovery, and social commitment, the Lions Paris 9 Run stands out as a special event where every stride counts. Participants are expected in large numbers at the starting line and, more importantly, at the finish line, where a medal imbued with meaning awaits them.