La Vannetaise

La Vannetaise is a 6 km road race exclusively for women, held in Vannes on the Morbihan coast of Brittany, western France. It takes place in October, coinciding with Pink October, and has been organized annually since 2007. The event emphasizes charity alongside racing, allocating a portion of bib revenue to cancer research and campaigns against breast and ovarian cancers. Over 3,000 women participated in the last edition, establishing it as a significant local event rather than a small club gathering. The course is flat, circling the Port of Vannes, making it suitable for beginners, groups of friends, and experienced runners seeking a brief urban race by the sea. Participants pass landmarks such as the ramparts garden and Hermine castle before returning towards the port. Locally, the gathering of runners is referred to as a pink tide. La Vannetaise is frequently compared to La Parisienne, featuring participants of multiple generations, a strong theme of solidarity, and post-race Breton traditions like crepes with buckwheat honey.