Running for your company - and doing good in the process
Stadtwerke Giessen is extending its commitment to the Giessen company run.
The "Startschuss fürs Leben" association has proudly organised the Giessen company run for 13 years. What began as a manageable event in the Giessen West industrial estate has now established itself as a permanent fixture in Giessen's sports and events calendar: around 4,200 runners took part in 2025. And raised around 85,000 euros in the process. With this and the income generated in previous years - such as entry fees - the non-profit organisation finances various projects in schools, sports clubs and social institutions in the region. Always with the focus on supporting young people in their development.
Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) has been supporting Startschuss fürs Leben e. V. since 2017 and recently expanded its commitment. The two partners have signed a three-year cooperation agreement. "The work of Startschuss fürs Leben is in line with our ideas. With our 'Spiel' Dein Spiel' campaign, we also focus on supporting organisations that offer children and young people meaningful exercise opportunities," explains Ulli Boos, company spokesperson for SWG, adding: "So it makes sense for us to expand our partnership with the Startschuss fürs Leben association."
Holistic approach
The association's name "Startschuss fürs Leben" is well chosen. After all, all projects aim to help children and young people discover their strengths and develop prospects for the future. Because sport can be very helpful in this process, there are many projects with sports clubs. We also work with parents, schools and companies and support young people holistically. We convey values, open up opportunities and take on responsibility," summarises Michael Kosmider, Chairman of the "Startschuss fürs Leben" association and one of the people behind the company run. In all of this, one ironclad principle applies: the organisation works in an absolutely transparent and sustainable manner and is firmly anchored in the region.
An all-round good cause
Of course, SWG not only supports the organisation as a sponsor. Between 40 and 50 employees usually set off on one of the two routes around the Schwanenteich. Runners cover 5 kilometres. Those who prefer to walk have to cover 400 metres less. The fact that even the less ambitious can take part makes the Giessen company run not only a successful charity event, but also the ideal opportunity to promote team spirit among your own staff. Running for your company and at the same time ensuring that money is raised for a good cause unites colleagues. After all, they are working towards the same goal. And yes - of course it's also about running good times for yourself or the team ranking. "For most of them, it's all about having fun. And the certainty of being part of a community that makes a positive difference," says Ralph Boßler from experience. He is also on the board of the "Startschuss fürs Leben" association.
Big plans
For 2026, the association already has a clear idea of where the money should go. "Together with the Future Skills Academy, we are planning a new support programme for school pupils. The aim is to strengthen children in their personal, academic and professional development from an early age," explains Michael Kosmider. The organisation has earmarked 30,000 euros for the project. Money that still needs to be raised. Which is why the organisers of the Giessen company run are hoping for lively participation. Registrations are still possible until 5 May 2026. The run will take place on 20 May 2026, naturally with a joint warm-up and after-run party.