L’Envolée de Beauval 2026: a second edition fuelled by a tremendous spirit of solidarity
Thousands of steps, smiles, fancy dress and, above all, a tremendous show of support for biodiversity! On Sunday 4 October 2026, the second edition of L’Envolée de Beauval once again brought the paths of the ZooParc de Beauval and its surroundings to life.
Following the success of the first edition in 2025, the event took on a whole new dimension this year, with 2,500 participants (compared to nearly 1,400 in 2025) taking part across the four routes on offer. Above all, a total of around €50,000 was raised for Beauval Nature (€13,700 at the 2025 event).
Cheers, smiles and ‘Nature and Animals’-themed fancy dress set the tone for the morning, along the paths around Beauval and the walkways of the ZooParc de Beauval.
Over €16,600 raised thanks to the charity runners
This was one of the major new features of this second edition: charity race numbers enabled participants in the 6 km and 12 km races to rally their friends and family and collect donations for Beauval Nature.
And for this first-ever initiative, the response was tremendous! 221 charity runners took part in the scheme.
In total, 584 donations raised over €16,600 for Beauval Nature.
This sum makes a very tangible difference on the ground: for example, it covers the costs of caring for 333 animals at the Beauval Nature Care Centre, from their initial reception through to species identification and ensuring their safety.
“We’re very pleased with the result. It was the first year and it’s obviously something we’ll be repeating next year,” emphasised Baptiste Mulot, Managing Director of Beauval Nature, during the awards ceremony.
A huge thank you to all the runners who took part in the charity run, as well as to everyone who contributed to their fundraising efforts!
This €16,400 will be added to the proceeds from entry fees, the charity refreshment stand and other initiatives carried out during the event. In total, around €50,000 was raised by Beauval Nature. This sum will provide tangible support for Beauval Nature’s work to protect species and their habitats.
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Marie-Amélie Le Fur on the left: patron of the event and third-placed woman in the 12 km race
Marie-Amélie Le Fur: “Sport is also about sharing moments together and supporting causes”
Patron of L’Envolée de Beauval for the second year running, Marie-Amélie Le Fur, a nine-time Paralympic medallist in para-athletics and president of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee, was once again in attendance and took to the starting line of the 12 km race alongside the other runners.
Born in the Loir-et-Cher department, she praised an event that showcases the region, the values of sport and a commitment to biodiversity.
“Here, we’re here for the challenge, to push ourselves beyond our limits, but that’s not all. We’re here for a cause that brings people together. And that’s what sport is all about too: it’s about sharing moments together, it’s about committing to causes.”
The patron of L’Envolée was also keen to highlight all those who made the day possible: “My sincere congratulations to all the organisers and volunteers,” she said, praising the “absolutely flawless” organisation.
Rodolphe Delord: “Pushing oneself beyond one’s limits, sharing and solidarity”
For Rodolphe Delord, Chief Executive of ZooParc de Beauval and Chairman of Beauval Nature, this second edition above all illustrates the values that define L’Envolée de Beauval and, more broadly, Beauval: “L’Envolée de Beauval is, of course, a race, but it is also an event that embodies the values we hold dear at Beauval: pushing oneself beyond one’s limits, sharing and solidarity.”
After congratulating all the participants – whether they had come to beat a personal best, take on a personal challenge or simply enjoy a sporting and friendly occasion – Rodolphe Delord made a point of thanking everyone who had contributed to the success of the day.
“An event like this simply could not take place without you, without all of you,” he emphasised, before thanking CAM Vallée du Cher – Controis, its staff and volunteers, the teams at ZooParc de Beauval and Beauval Nature, all the volunteers who helped out, as well as all the partners and sponsors of this second edition.
He also praised the support for the charity race numbers and thanked Marie-Amélie Le Fur, patron of L’Envolée de Beauval for the second year running, for her loyalty and commitment. Finally, he addressed all the participants directly: “Whatever your time or your placing, you can all be proud of yourselves.”
Runners were able to run through the heart of the ZooParc, as seen here in front of the penguins
Four routes and 2,500 participants
At 8.15 am, the 6 km runners kicked off this second edition, followed an hour later by those in the 12 km race. By late morning, it was the turn of the youngest participants to take to the paths of the ZooParc for the 900-metre and 1.8-kilometre races.
1100 participants in the 12 km race, 1100 in the 6 km race, 150 in the 900 m race and 150 in the 1.8 km race: in total, 2,500 people took part in L’Envolée de Beauval 2026. This is a record, as the first edition attracted nearly 1,400 participants, including 200 children.
A collective success
A race of this scale could not take place without all those who work before, during and after the event.
A huge thank you to the 120 volunteers who were on hand throughout the day to guide participants, ensure the safety of the routes, provide refreshments, support the runners and help create the atmosphere of L’Envolée. Thank you also to CAM Vallée du Cher – Controis, co-organiser of the event, as well as to the teams at Beauval Nature and ZooParc de Beauval.
This second edition also benefited from the support of numerous sponsors and partners. For logistics, the Loir-et-Cher Departmental Council, the Town of Saint-Aignan, AEB and Kapieco were there to support us. Patapain provided lunch for our volunteers, whilst Brioche Pasquier, Pepsi, Pomona EpiSaveurs, Pomona TerreAzur, Pom’Potes and St Michel contributed to the refreshments. At the refreshment stand, Manhattan Hot Dog, Nestlé Waters and Rémy Brégent also played their part in making the day a success.
And, of course, a huge thank you to the 2,500 participants! Through your energy, your smiles, your encouragement, your fancy dress and your generosity, you brought this second edition to life and gave L’Envolée de Beauval its true meaning.
With the second edition barely over, the date has already been set: L’Envolée de Beauval will return in 2027 for its third edition! Would you like to be the first to know when registration opens for L’Envolée de Beauval 2027? Sign up now to the Beauval Nature newsletter so you don’t miss a thing about the next edition.
