More than 420 people registered for the Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE) and Outdoor Against Cancer (OAC) Fun Run & Walk.

Held alongside the ESMO Gastrointestinal Cancers Congress 2026, the initiative brought together people living with and beyond digestive cancers, healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, caregivers, supporters of the cause, and industry partners in a shared commitment to raise awareness of digestive cancers and celebrate the power of movement, solidarity, and community.

On the early morning of 3 July, 213 participants joined a 5K run or a 3K walk in Riemer Park, strengthening connections within the digestive cancer community. The event highlighted how physical activity benefits health and wellbeing, underscoring the importance of regular exercise in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship.

One of the distinctive features of this year’s event was the eight-week training program created by Outdoor Against Cancer in preparation for the Fun Run. Based on OAC’s 4×4 training concept, it gradually introduced participants to running, helping people with different levels of fitness prepare confidently for the event and encouraging them to share their progress on social media using our customisable poster tool.

Additionally, ahead of the event, participants helped create a Wall of Purpose, using Lomo’Instant Square Glass cameras kindly lent by Lomography Italia to pair instant portraits with handwritten reflections on what inspires them to keep moving and advocate for better digestive cancer care.

The wall became a colourful reminder of the community’s shared commitment to action. Many messages celebrated the role of physical activity in health, prevention and recovery, including “Physical movement is important for your health,” “Moving today will also help protect your digestive health tomorrow,” and “You’ll never walk alone! Keep moving forward.” Others reflected the event’s spirit of resilience and connection, with notes such as “Friendship and connection are all that count,” “Live, not just survive,” and “Never give up!”

The Fun Run & Walk was made possible through the collaboration of DiCE, Outdoor Against Cancer, volunteers, ambassadors and sponsors. DiCE extends its sincere thanks to all partners, including our Platinum Partner BeOne; Gold Partners Daiichi Sankyo, Bayer and Servier; and Silver Partner Astellas for their generous support. We also thank Lomography Italia for lending the Lomo’Instant Square Glass cameras.

The event’s success was measured not only by the kilometres completed, but also by the conversations it inspired, the new connections it fostered and the shared commitment it strengthened to improve the lives of people affected by digestive cancers. DiCE warmly thanks everyone who registered, took part, volunteered or supported this year’s Fun Run & Walk and looks forward to building on this momentum in the years to come.