Urgent Run Paris is a charity 5K and 10K race held in the Bois de Boulogne, timed to coincide with World Toilet Day in November. Established in Paris in 2015, it is the French sporting adaptation of Urgent Run, an awareness race founded by the World Toilet Organization. The event directly supports toilet and sanitation projects in areas lacking basic facilities, funded by entry fees and donations. The 5K welcomes both walkers and runners, while the 10K offers a longer course for regular runners within a major Parisian park.
The race route utilizes the Bois de Boulogne’s roads, paths, and woodland trails, differing from typical city-center loops. The event accommodates families, children, novice runners, club athletes, and individuals running for the cause, with a virtual option available. Since its inception, the race has generated over €135,000 for school toilet blocks in Africa, with projects connected to Madagascar, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Benin, and Togo. An additional campaign aims to fund toilet access in Mongolia. The race conveys a distinct message: billions lack access to toilets, poor sanitation causes many child deaths, and in certain nations, women limit water consumption to avoid using unsafe facilities.