Lions Paris 9 Run: The 21st Edition Dedicated to Inclusive Education
Paris, April 19, 2026 – The 9th arrondissement of Paris is set to host the 21st edition of the Lions Paris 9 Run on Sunday, May 31, 2026. This increasingly popular sports and solidarity event, organized by the Lions Club Paris Helen Keller, stands out as one of the few Parisian gatherings entirely dedicated to a cause of general interest: fostering inclusive education for children with disabilities. The race, which has become a staple in the Parisian calendar, will offer three different formats to accommodate all levels of participants.
A Race for All Through Iconic Parisian Landmarks
Each year, the Lions Paris 9 Run transforms the streets of the 9th arrondissement into a vibrant space for community, sharing, and civic engagement. The 2026 edition continues this tradition, featuring routes that pass through several emblematic locations. Participants will have the opportunity to run past sights such as the Opéra Garnier, the Église de la Trinité, the Église Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, and Place Saint-Georges.
Designed to be intergenerational and inclusive, the event offers three distinct race formats:
- 1.5 km – The Family Fun Run: Accessible from 5 years old, this festive and friendly course allows children and families to participate in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- 5 km – Discover the Ninth: An accessible and friendly format to explore the neighborhood in a different way, without a focus on performance.
- 10 km – The Sports Challenge: A technical and demanding course for experienced runners, combining a sporting challenge with a commitment to solidarity.
With its mix of ascents, descents, and flat sections, the 9th arrondissement’s course promises a dynamic and challenging sporting experience. In an era where running is experiencing unprecedented growth in France, the Lions Paris 9 Run fully embraces the concept of “useful running,” where every individual effort contributes to a collective impact.
Significant Impact and Financial Contributions
The Lions Paris 9 Run has a proven track record of making a tangible difference. In 2025, an impressive 80% of the registration fees were donated to initiatives of general interest, raising over 27,000 euros for the Helen Keller Fund. These funds were instrumental in financing:
- Specialized educational equipment for schools.
- Adapted educational tools.
- Individualized support for students.
- Awareness campaigns on inclusion for families and educational teams.
Combining sporting challenge, heritage discovery, and solidarity, the Lions Paris 9 Run is a unique 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 already imbued with meaning awaits them.
Practical Information for Participants
The event will take place at Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, Paris 75009, with races scheduled from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Registration fees range from 5 to 25 euros. Interested individuals can find more information and register online via the official website lionsparis9run.com or through their social media channels on Facebook and Instagram. For direct inquiries, participants can also reach out via email at [email protected].
This event offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals and families to engage in a healthy activity while contributing to a vital cause, supporting inclusive education for children with disabilities in Paris.
