Conquering the Orange Vélodrome Trail: Running for A Cause

At Zscaler, our commitment to community values is driven by the passion of our people. This story is brought to you directly by three of our incredible employees — Claire Lefevre, Charlotte Decourteix Turquet, and Mathieu Tourisseau — who were part of the team that ran the Orange Vélodrome Trail for the Association Vendredi 13. Read on for their perspective on a grueling but rewarding day of turning physical effort into direct social action.

The energy at the Orange Vélodrome was electric. As we lined up for the 6th Orange Vélodrome Trail (OVT), we felt a mix of nerves and excitement. But we weren’t alone. We were part of a massive, united front of 60 participants — a powerful mix of Zscaler employees, our partners at Orange Cyberdefense, and a supportive group of our own family and friends.

More Than Just a Run

Our commitment extends beyond the cloud. We proudly collaborated with Orange Cyberdefense for this year’s trail to support the Association Vendredi 13, an organization dedicated to fighting food insecurity in the city of Marseille.

This partnership meant we didn't just watch from the sidelines. The Zscaler team along with our families and friends, laced up our sneakers to take on the legendary trail ourselves.

A Trail Like No Other

The Orange Vélodrome Trail is a sporting challenge you simply can't compare to anything else. Forget a flat, predictable city course. We took on a unique urban trail that promised a look behind the scenes at the Orange Vélodrome, the Stade Delort, and the Prado shopping center.

Running through the stadium felt surreal. The course took us into areas usually reserved for the stars—running through the locker rooms, past the press area, and even alongside the trophy room and the Olympians' playing field. It was an absolute adrenaline rush, and every step felt steeped in history.

The greatest physical challenge was the stairs, with over 2,000 steps to climb and descend! Our legs were burning, but the immense team spirit around us kept us pushing forward.

The Meaning Behind the Steps

Our partnership with Orange Cyberdefense was driven by the opportunity to contribute directly to Vendredi 13. Founded in 2018, Vendredi 13 tackles food insecurity head-on. They distribute meals and food supplies to a wide range of vulnerable groups, including displaced communities, refugees, the elderly, and people with reduced mobility. It is a crucial safety net for people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

In 2025 alone, their impact on Marseille was considerable:

• 153,000 encounters and food aid actions.
• 235,000 people served, equivalent to 450,000 meals.
• 416 tons of food were distributed.

Every step up those stadium stairs was worth it, directly supporting this mission to help the most vulnerable members of the community.

A Successful Finish, A Stronger Community

The roar of the crowd as we crossed the line was unforgettable. It was a grueling course, but the commitment shown by every member of our group was truly inspiring.

Having our family and friends run alongside us made the moment even more special. We celebrated together, knowing we had not only conquered the beautiful stadium but had also upheld Zscaler’s core values of community and teamwork.

We are incredibly proud to work for a company that supports initiatives that reinforce our values of social good. It was an honor to run for Zscaler, Orange Cyberdefense, and the Association Vendredi 13!