March 29, 2024

It is therefore with regret that, after several weeks of fruitless discussions, we have to announce the definitive cancellation of the Full Moon Trail race scheduled for April 21.

Following an initial refusal to allow passage by the municipality of Simiane-Collongue at the end of February, we retraced our route and bypassed this municipality, passing through the eastern side of the Etoile massif. Unfortunately, the town of Septèmes-les-Vallons has now refused to allow us to run the three races.

We have no choice but to respect these unfavorable opinions; and there is no longer any alternative solution for bypassing these communes in the Aix-Marseille crossing. In order to avoid incurring further expenses in preparing for the event, and to free up our suppliers and partners, the race is cancelled due to this case of force majeure.

As far as participants are concerned, the 940 runners already registered will receive a refund of 75% of their entry fee, in accordance with article 13 of the race regulations. In addition, the organization will reimburse shuttle bus subscriptions in full. The sums not reimbursed to runners will help to cover only part of the expenses already incurred over the past six months in organizing the race.

The organization firmly disputes these positions. Over the past three years, the Full Moon Trail project has created a unique sporting and human experience, linking Aix and Marseille by night through the hills, and crossing eight communes. We have honored our commitments and convictions, as defined in our eco-responsible charter, and highlighted associations contributing to social cohesion, respect for the environment, reduction of the carbon footprint and inclusion. At the same time, we've created an ephemeral event highlighting sport and the discovery of our region, on the night of a full moon.

Economically, we have paid all the suppliers working with us, with the riders' entry fees, an annual subsidy of 5,000 euros from the City of Marseille, and the commitment of our major partners to cover major expenses. After three years' work, neither the FMT association nor ERIC AU CARRE SAS have received any remuneration whatsoever (so as to make things clear to civil servants and elected representatives who fantasize in the dark and envy the risk that we might have earned a little money). This cancellation won't help the accounts, but Full Moon trail was above all a passion project, a sports project; and our disappointment is commensurate with the time and energy we devoted to this project.

These decisions and the lack of dialogue on the part of the town halls concerned do not reflect the values of republican fraternity. Power should oblige elected representatives to demand magnanimity and to seek balanced solutions (which we have proposed in vain) to improve living together. The two town halls were fully aware of our plans and had every opportunity to inform us of the new provisions before preparing this^3rd edition. They preferred to let us get this far, only to present us with a fait accompli. What a lack of politeness and consideration.

We'd like to thank all our participants, the other communes along the route who supported this project, and our partners and volunteers for their support and understanding. We're still very proud to have carried this project with our values at arm's length for three years. It goes without saying that we are angry.

For further information, please contact welcome@fullmoontrail.fr

Unfavorable mail Septème-les-Vallons

Unfavorable mail Simiane-Collongue

Response to Simiane-Collongue

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