Essener Firmenlauf: we were there!

We couldn’t help ourselves: we ran the Essener Firmenlauf again this year!

At the 8th Essener Firmenlauf, Teamio Event GmbH got to show off its own team spirit. The event agency doesn’t just bring clients’ teams closer together with exclusive team-building events; it knows how to motivate its own people, too.

Every year, the Essener Firmenlauf, Essen’s company run, is quite a spectacle. Jogging together with colleagues builds physical fitness, but above all it improves the working atmosphere. Word seems to have got around, because this year the event broke every record: 13,000 participants from more than 500 companies signed up within a week. Teamio Event GmbH, a provider of team building and team events based in Essen city centre, could hardly stay away. “The Firmenlauf is a shared experience and strengthens our sense of being a team – away from the usual stresses of day-to-day work,” said managing director Amit Lal.

12 employees lined up at the start of the Essener Firmenlauf

The team were keen: they’d been meeting once a week to run by Baldeneysee in preparation. “We’re a young, dynamic and sporty team. Training together is just good fun,” said Gerhard Jansgers. Fitness improved – and excitement grew… Anyone who wanted to top up their energy before the five-kilometre run could help themselves to a healthy buffet: tasty smoothies and fresh fruit were there to provide an extra boost of energy. “Of course, we do everything we can to motivate our employees, too,” said Johannes Dietrich with a smile, as he handed out jerseys made especially for the Firmenlauf.

After a short warm-up with some light stretching, the team of 12, warmed up and in good spirits, set off for the starting point at the Philharmonie. The atmosphere made quite an impression, and the crowd’s support was extra motivation for the team. When the signal for the final wave of runners sounded at 19:45, around 4,000 runners surged forward. From the Philharmonie, the route led along Rüttenscheider Straße to the Tummelwiese in the Grugapark. Spectators and bands along the route cheered the runners on and kept spirits high, and drinks stations offered the runners a chance to refresh themselves.

At the finish, everyone was warmly welcomed by those who had already made it. After all, that day wasn’t about winning but about the shared experience and the bond between colleagues. True to that motto, the teamio team crossed the finish line together. “It was harder than expected in the warm weather, but we had a lot of fun,” was the unanimous verdict. Johannes Dietrich then rounded off the evening with his employees at the big post-run party in the Grugapark – with a participation medal around his neck, a cold beer in his hand and a broad smile on his face: “The mood in our team was great and everyone took part with real enthusiasm,” he said happily. “We’ll definitely be there again next time.”