Almost 2,000 participants took part in the U Giru de Natale charity run over the weekend, including eight brave competitors from the Monaco Liver Disorder team who have each faced serious health challenges and emerged with inspiring determination.
The 29th edition of U Giru de Natale on 15th December saw 1,900 runners take to the streets of Monaco, a record-breaking turnout for the event, according to Bastien Isaia, the race director and president of the Public Security Sports Association, which organised the event.
Among the participants was a team representing Monaco Liver Disorder (MLD), with eight remarkable competitors, each of whom has faced significant health challenges and rigorous treatments with resilience and determination, supported in their efforts by members of the Monaco Fire Brigade and the Carabinieri du Prince de Monaco.
10-year-old Samy Bouberrima, a bone marrow transplant recipient, and nine-year-old Cassiel Segura, riding a specially adapted joëlette wheelchair, stole hearts in the Course Éveil Athlétique et Poussins category for children born between 2014 and 2018. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Ryan Coudret and 13-year-old Anna Jolibois, both cancer survivors in remission from Fréjus, showcased their remarkable strength in the Course Benjamins et Minimes for children born between 2010 and 2013. Anna’s mother, Sandrine Bogaer, alongside her brother Martin, joined them on the track, offering encouragement and solidarity.
In the 10km race for older competitors, four adult participants carried the MLD banner. Emmanuel Gastaud, a 44-year-old kidney transplant recipient from Cagnes-sur-Mer, was joined by three liver transplant recipients from across France: Adeline Billal, Véronique Dupras and Lionel Maurice. Their participation highlighted the transformative power of organ donation and their unsurpassed courage.
Carla Shechter, Executive President of MLD, reflected on the event’s significance, saying, “The U Giru de Natale event has become an unmissable occasion not only for running enthusiasts but also for those who wish to combine sport with social commitment in favour of sick children and organ donation.”
The race’s overall winners were equally impressive. Young Niçois Tom Maubert claimed the top spot in the men’s 10km race, crossing the finish line in a swift 31 minutes and 19 seconds. Meanwhile, Italian runner Camille Magliano took first place in the women’s race, completing the course in 36 minutes and 32 seconds.
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Photo source: Monaco Liver Disorder