Coimbra will hold on October 10 the first edition of the Pink October Run, a ten-kilometer race that starts at 5:00 PM at the University Stadium, preceded at 3:00 PM by the 16th edition of the solidarity walk "Small Steps, Big Gestures". The initiative is promoted by the Regional Center of the Portuguese League Against Cancer, in partnership with the Coimbra City Council, and aims to raise awareness for breast cancer prevention and the importance of physical activity.
The president of the municipality, Ana Abrunhosa, is the godmother of the event, which hopes to mobilize thousands of people. The race route will follow the riverside area, crossing the bridge over the Mondego and passing through Choupal, returning to the starting point. The solidarity walk will take place simultaneously in Coimbra, Aveiro, Castelo Branco, Covilhã, Guarda, Leiria, and Viseu.
The president of the Regional Center, Vítor Rodrigues, emphasized that the initiative is aimed at everyone, not only women affected by the disease, but also family members, friends, and caregivers who also need support. Family doctor Débora Monteiro, ambassador of the race, emphasized the importance of screening and early diagnosis, as her mother's breast cancer was detected through the screening program of the Portuguese League Against Cancer.
During the presentation of the event, Ana Abrunhosa also linked the objectives of the initiative with recent changes to road traffic on Rua da Sofia and other areas of the historic center, arguing that Coimbra should create public spaces more accessible to pedestrians and conducive to adopting healthy lifestyles.
