They cross France against diabetes

"In 24 days, 24 stages, he has just finished his eleventh marathon. Sportingly, it's amazing! On the forecourt of the town hall yesterday, Éric Vallée struggles to achieve the feat that is fulfilling his son, Hakaroa. The two of them have just traveled, in running and cycling, the 48 kilometers that separate Ruffec from Angoulême, all in six hours and under a blazing sun.

Diagnosed diabetic type 1 two years ago , Hakaroa challenged herself to cross France from north to south in six weeks to raise awareness and combat prejudices about her illness. "People often think we are weak," says the one who completed his first half marathon at age 9.

Leaving July 2 in Bray-Dunes (Belgium), the teenager and his father must join Cerbere ( Pyrénées-Orientales) on August 12, a journey of 2,004 kilometers, "like his year of birth." A difficult trip in this season, especially as the young Hakaroa must check his blood sugar every 15 minutes.

Supported by athletes

But not enough to undermine the morale of the young man, who has already traveled 1,250 kilometers. He received "the support of 200 deputies," according to his father, and top athletes such as the biathlete Martin Fourcade or Spanish footballer Real Madrid Nacho Fernandez, also suffering from diabetes.

Today , father and son take the road to La Tour-Blanche (Dordogne). They will join Bordeaux by car tomorrow for a circuit of about forty kilometers. "We'll get there, they announced only 30 C ° for the next few days," joked Eric Vallée. " Easy ! ", Replies Hakaroa. More than 750 kilometers before the arrival.