Olympic Champion Heike Drechsler kicks off “ZwickRoell runs the world 2026” running challenge
With a keynote speech by Heike Drechsler and a joint run, testing machine manufacturer ZwickRoell officially launched its global charity running challenge on July 30. Over the course of 60 days, employees, customers, family members, and suppliers aim to collectively cover 200,000 kilometers through running, walking, and hiking. If the goal is achieved, ZwickRoell will donate EUR 100,000 to charitable organizations around the world.
Getting off to a running start with “ZwickRoell runs the world 2026”
As part of the Health Days event at the company's Ulm-Einsingen site, two-time Olympic Long Jump Champion Heike Drechsler kicked off this year's running challenge. With a keynote speech and a group run, the former world-class athlete motivated participants for the upcoming 60 days of action. In her speech, Heike Drechsler shared her experiences from the world of international elite sports. The focus was less on individual athletic achievements and more on perseverance, realistic milestones, and mutual support. She made it clear that big goals can be achieved through a consistent start, continuous perseverance, and shared motivation – values that also define the running challenge. The former track and field athlete is one of the most successful long jumpers in sports history. She won Olympic gold in the long jump in Barcelona in 1992 and Sydney in 2000, was twice world champion, and also enjoyed international success as a sprinter. After the speech, she joined the participants in running the first few kilometers of this year's challenge.
At least 200,000 kilometers for a good cause
From July 30 to September 27, 2026, when the Einstein Marathon kicks off in Ulm and Neu-Ulm, every kilometer covered counts for “ZwickRoell runs the world.” Employees, customers, family members, and suppliers of ZwickRoell worldwide can participate. You can rack up those miles by jogging, running, hiking, or walk. The shared goal is 200,000 kilometers. If this distance is covered within the 60-day campaign period, ZwickRoell will donate EUR 100,000 to non-profit organizations. Employees and customers who are personally involved with the respective organizations decide which projects will receive support. “With every kilometer, participants contribute to a shared goal. The campaign combines exercise, team spirit, and social commitment across national borders,” says Klaus Cierocki, CEO of ZwickRoell GmbH & Co. KG. “Even in a challenging economic environment, we are deliberately upholding this tradition. For us, social responsibility isn't just short-term sponsorship; it's an integral part of our corporate culture.”
Global commitment for nearly a decade
For nearly a decade, “ZwickRoell runs the world” has been getting people from the company's international network moving. During this time, ZwickRoell supported more than 170 organizations, initiatives, and associations in around 30 countries. In total, nearly half a million euros were allocated for social and charitable purposes. Last year, in 2025, participants not only met the goal but significantly surpassed it: together, they covered approximately 222,000 kilometers. ZwickRoell then donated EUR 100,000 to selected organizations and projects around the world.