Sunday 10 July 2016 will see the return of the 1,000 km Hesper run for its 17th edition in aid of Handicap International.
The Laftreff Hesper committee, with the support of the municipality of Hesperange, has selected Handicap International as the beneficiary of its solidarity run. Participating runners will have the opportunity to get moving in support of mine clearance and remediation projects on territories contaminated by explosive devices, particularly in Asia and Africa.
Sports fanatics, both amateur and experienced, are invited to join in this sporting event and make it into both an individual challenge and act of solidarity, with all entry fees going towards Handicap International projects.
"Initiatives such as those of Laftreff Hesper and the municipality of Hesperange, as well as the participation of solidarity runners, are essential for us to allow us to deploy our actions," explained Sandrine Guivarch, responsible for partnerships for Handicap International Luxembourg. "This year, we are pleased that several companies have been mobilised to organise teams of runners. Morover, Prince Junior Nyembo, Benelux champion of Thai boxing, who has committed himself to Handicap International for a year now and who met our beneficiaries, landmine victims in refugee camps in Thailand, will participate in the race wearing the colours of Handicap International."
The members of the association as well as numerous volunteers will be present to raise awareness among participants and visitors of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. An awareness workshop will also be offered by Handicap International, whilst Relax Max will provide a relaxing time for runners to massage them after the sporting event.
In 2015, 569 runners travelled 7,530 km, raising €5,500 in favour of the NGO. However, the 2004 record of 8,850km still has yet to be beaten.
On the day of the race, Handicap International will install a small pyramid of shoes where the public will be invited to donate their old pairs as a sign of solidarity with victims of landmines, bombs, munitions and ERWs.
Departure will be from the Nicolas Braun centre next to the town hall. Participants will be able to choose their departure time between 08:00 and 12:00. The objective of the race will be to reace a minimum of 1,000 km adding together all accrued distances.
Registrations costs a minimum of €5 or €3 for children, to be paid on the spot of by transfer to CPP of the LT Hesper LU97 1111 1712 4237 0000.
Photo by Handicap International
