„Everyone should experience this!“

Dr. Thomas Koller does research at FAU’s Chair of Advanced Optical Technologies – Thermophysical Properties (AOT-TP), and he is a passionate runner. He will definitely take part in the charity run against cancer “Lauf gegen Krebs” in Erlangen’s Schlossgarten on October 12  – and he recommends all FAU members to do the same!

Cancer charity run „Lauf gegen Krebs 2024“

This year’s cancer charity run „Lauf gegen Krebs“ in Erlangen’s Schlossgarten will take place on October 12. Online registration via www.numeas.de/lauf-2024

Nice community event

FAU researcher Thomas Koller has been running since his youth. Even during his recent time as habilitation candidate, he appreciated the change in scenery: “I enjoy running through the forest and switching off after work.” Running is what keeps him fit. In addition, he also follows races in the media. 2023 was the first time he joined Lauf gegen Krebs after learning about it at his chair. Koller and some of his colleagues even designed their own t-shirts for the run.

Chair team joins this year’s event

Once more, a team of runners from the AOT-TP chair will join the run. This time with an even bigger group. “Our boss encourages us to compete as a team. This turns it into a really nice community event”, Koller explains. “So, this is how Lauf gegen Krebs works: You sign up, and pay the entry fee which already flows into the donation box. During the run, every lap you finish in the Schlossgarten is counted. And then there are the contributions made by each sponsor.”

„The best thing about Lauf gegen Krebs is the possibility to support a good cause,” says Koller. “Unfortunately, cancer is omnipresent. So, I find it great to be able to contribute to cancer research and treatment.” However, this is not the only important thing to Lauf gegen Krebs. “Lauf gegen Krebs allows for a beautiful community activity. The Schlossgarten in Erlangen with its great ambiance, all the runners from different parts of FAU as well as from other companies and clubs. Everyone comes together for a good cause.”

Everyone can join – and that’s what it’s all about

By the way, participants don’t have to be super fit! “It doesn’t matter how fast you run. Whether the lap is completed in 2 minutes or 10, or whether you do two laps slowly in total,” says Koller. “The great thing is that everyone helps to complete laps.”

Walking is also allowed!

Leisurely walking is also allowed! “Regardless of age or physical limitations: Taking part is great for everyone. Because every single person contributes something,” says Koller. “I can only recommend that everyone try out the experience of running with thousands of people in the Schlossgarten. It’s not just about the running itself. You can also socialize with others before and after the run, take pictures, have conversations and enjoy the great atmosphere,” says Koller. “I can only recommend taking part!”

Aim of the cancer charity run

With the cancer charity run Lauf gegen Krebs, the non-profit organization “Verein für Ernährungsmedizin und Bewegung & Sport e. V.“ aims to draw attention to the importance of nutrition and exercise for health and to raise funds for the scope of nutritional and sports medicine therapy for cancer patients. The proceeds will be used to purchase special training equipment and develop methods to effectively improve physical fitness and nutrition of cancer patients.

 Agenda

• Lauf gegen Krebs will take place in Erlangen’s Schlossgarten on October 12, 2024.
• Online registration via www.numeas.de/lauf-2024. The entry fee is 15 Euro.
• The runs of all the different groups (children/teens/adults) are scheduled from 12 to 17 pm.
• The Novartis Run 25 starts at 13.30 pm, allowing athletes to run some fast laps within a time slot of 25 minutes.
• The circuit runs through Schlossgarten, providing a length of 900 meters. Each finalized lap is captured with a transponder chip.
• At the end, every participant receives a medal.