The Course à la Tomette begins in front of the Ehpad on Route du Verdon in Salernes, a village in the Var. Organized by the association Ehpad et nous, this local running and walking event offers options for serious runners, casual runners, hikers, and those who wish to participate. The main race is 11 km, with a shorter 6 km run available. The walking portion includes 10 km and 8 km hikes, alongside an easy 3 km walk. Open to runners of all levels and walkers, the event functions more as a community gathering than a competition focused solely on speed.
What distinguishes this event is the direct involvement of the Ehpad. The organizers use the race to foster connections between Salernes residents and the care home, with residents participating in the lead-up and preparations. Joëlettes, specialized all-terrain chairs for assisted running, enable residents to join the event actively. The race also generates funds for Ehpad et nous, which supports residents through year-round activities like parties and afternoon snacks. Fabé Dia, an Olympic medalist and the race’s patron, leads the athletes’ warm-up after the initial departures, lending a notable sporting presence to a local event with a community-focused objective.