The first Osona Anti-Racist Race, held today, 12 October, in Vic, gathered hundreds of individuals to promote a "more just, diverse, and inclusive region". The event combined athletic activities with a strong message against racism and hate speech. The race commenced and concluded at the Montseny Civic Centre (CCVic) in Vic. Activities began with a 500-metre children's race at 10:00 BST, followed by the main 5-kilometre adult race at 10:45 BST. All 500 available bib numbers for the adult race were sold out prior to the event.
"The fight against racism and fascism is everyone's struggle, a commitment that concerns all people and, therefore, a shared responsibility."
A central moment of the day was the reading of a manifesto at 12:00 BST, where organisers warned against the normalisation of hate speech and the rise of the far-right, both globally and locally. The manifesto also criticised far-right narratives for fostering fear, distrust, and contributing to racism and Islamophobia. Organisers stated that these discourses aim to divide working-class communities and divert attention from social and economic inequalities. The event highlighted the situation in Osona, where many migrants are employed in key sectors such as agri-food, care, and logistics. Organisers underscored the crucial role these communities play in the region's economy and daily life, while also drawing attention to the difficulties they often face in accessing basic rights. Beyond the races, the day's programme included a market featuring various community organisations, a communal lunch hosted by Dinem Plegades, and musical performances by Soumeya, Mai Farts, and Bengal Beats.
Reported by agenda.el9nou.cat, vic.cat, cursaantiracistaosona.softmacros.com, www.atmultimedia.com, alking.life, El 9 Nou.
