Since 1999, No Finish Line Monaco has seen more than 175,000 participants cover over 4.8 million kilometres—equivalent to 120 laps around the planet—and raise more than €5.1 million for children in need. What began as a local charity race has grown into a global movement, and in celebration of its 25th anniversary, event patron Princess Charlene will be on hand to launch the much-anticipated race later this week.

No Finish Line began as an event organised by the Junior Economic Chamber of Monaco to promote the first Monegasque Children’s Rights Day. Over the last 25 years, it has evolved into something truly extraordinary. In its first year, the 750 participants walked or ran 9,000 kilometres, but by 2023, No Finish Line had blossomed into an event with over 10,000 people covering some 315,500 kilometres. This year’s event promises to be even bigger.

The race has become an iconic event, blending individual and team challenges with a strong sense of community spirit. People of all ages participate, walking or running to support Children & Future, a charity aiding sick and underprivileged children. Since 2015, the race has expanded internationally, with events in Paris, Oslo, Athens, Nice, Bratislava and Bolivia. Altogether, these 50 No Finish Line events have raised nearly €6.7 million for children’s causes worldwide.

The local 25th-anniversary edition, running from 16th to 24th November, invites participants to take on the scenic 1,100-metre circuit around Monaco non-stop for eight days and nights. For each kilometre completed, €1 goes to charity, and this year, racers can look forward to exciting new additions.

First, Princess Charlene, the event’s patron, will personally open the race at 2pm on 16th November.

See more: Princess Charlene named Ambassador of No Finish Line’s 25th anniversary edition

There will also be new features, including a certified six-day race from 17th to 23rd November, where 40 participants will compete in an endurance test in which only the kilometres covered during these six days will count towards the challenge.

This year’s race will include a Sponsors Day to honour supporters, a retrospective exhibit in the Fontvieille marquee, and the release of a special anniversary stamp.

Additionally, No Finish Line will host the 24-Hour Trophy, an official race in the French Athletics Federation’s calendar. This endurance event will start at 9am on 23rd November and conclude the following morning. There will also be an eight-day ultra-challenge where motivated individuals can attempt to beat the current men’s record of 1,041 kilometres or the women’s record of 924 kilometres.

Throughout the week, daily themed evenings, live music and celebrity appearances will create a festive atmosphere, encouraging participants as they push themselves to achieve personal and collective goals.

Organisers hope to reach new heights in 2024, aiming to surpass 330,000 kilometres with a target of welcoming 12,000 participants.

There is still time to register to be part of the fun. Fees are €15 for adults and €8 for children over 10. For more information or to sign up, click here.

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Photo source: No Finish Line