Today I took part in La Parisienne, an annual 6k run/walk for women that benefits the fight against breast cancer. The course goes around the area of the Eiffel Tower, and in the days beforehand they have events and fitness classes - this year, a lot of yoga, to match the Indian (India Indian) theme.

Unfortunately my friend Ju couldn’t join me as we had planned because she woke up with a bad cold. So I went on my own. The weather was perfect for running - cool and cloudy. We lined up on the Pont d’Iéna by the Eiffel Tower.

One group’s sign has a butterfly and the words “Les Elles” - that’s a pun, as elle (she) sounds the same as aile (wing).

Another group of four was dressed like commandos (one can only hope they weren’t going commando as well) and were holding up sheets with their names, not clear why.

There used to be more men in drag doing the race, but they have started cracking down on that. I did see one guy in a blond wig, who must have jumped in after the starting line.

There were musical groups along the way to entertain us, a couple of which were even Indian to go with the theme of the race.

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