“It’s, in a way, the adventure of my life” with Trek’in Gazelles

In the Moroccan desert, they will have four days to complete, on foot, the hundred kilometers of the Trek’in Gazelles 2026 edition. As accessories, a compass and a map. “And the presence of each other to motivate each other”advances with a smile Nathalie Palazotto, who will be on the starting line. Alongside Millavoise, her childhood friend Isabelle, who lives in Paris, and Cécile, another friend based in Montpellier.

From November 8 to 14, the trio will live a unique experience. Like the 140 other teams made up of three members, they will have to cover many kilometers on foot, the promise of a sporting challenge and a human adventure placed under the sign of surpassing oneself and solidarity.

A trio of friends on the starting line

At the start of the project, Isabelle, who had already carried out the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles, submitted the idea to her friends. “I didn’t know what to think about it, then I got used to it and I told myself that I’m going to get there, I walk regularly, I’m active and very motivated, Nathalie Palazotto delivers with communicative energy. For me, it’s a bit of an adventure of a lifetime.” Together, the trio actively prepares for their trip and selects the backpacks, equipment and clothing that will be taken with them.

Because concretely, once in the desert, the participants will have to establish their trajectory and follow it using a compass and a map. Every five kilometers, a terminal is installed to allow them to see that they are following the correct path. “When passing these terminals, €5 are donated by the organization to Secours Populaire and to the research association against Charcot’s disease”, explains Nathalie Palazotto. With her teammates, she also plans to donate school supplies to schools. “We are always looking for sponsors, even if I would like to underline the great generosity of the Millau companies that we have solicited and who have all played the game”indicates the Millavoise.

While they will follow a compulsory course in October to learn how to use compasses, the participants will also collect the plastics encountered on the route, respect for the environment representing one of the fundamental aspects of the Trek. “The Trek’in Gazelles is reserved for women, continues Nathalie Palazotto. I think that each of the participants carries a story, participates in it for a reason.”

Commitment to an association

For the trio of friends, in addition to the sporting side, it is the cause of selective mutism that they have chosen to highlight. “I personally face it in my family, adds the Millavoise. It is a completely unknown disorder of childhood and adolescence, which nevertheless affects one in 140 children.” The additional funds collected via the online prize pool intended to help the three friends finance their journey will be donated to the Ouvrir la Voix association. “Our approach is also to raise awareness about selective mutism, to encourage the sharing of experiences and solutions”completes Nathalie Palazotto. While waiting for departure, the friends practice walking regularly and meet up for joint sessions whenever they can.