For the 25th anniversary of the Cologne Marathon - the running event of the cathedral city - around 25,000 starters are expected again on 1 October. A great anniversary setting against a marvellous backdrop, to which we are also making our contribution. For 22 years now, we have been a permanent partner at the REWE refreshment points on the course and in the REWE Group refreshment village at the finish line.
In 2023, participants can recharge their batteries with: 35,000 Rainforest Alliance/PRO PLANET-certified Chiquita bananas, 23,000 Rainforest Alliance-certified vegan muesli bars from PENNY, 5,000 litres of REWE organic apple juice, 5.000 regional PRO PLANET apples and 1,000 PRO PLANET pears from Krings (Rheinbach), as well as 1,000 mini cherry tomatoes, 300 mini cucumbers and 70 kg of regionally grown carrots from Landgard. As in previous years, the surplus food from the running event will be donated to the Kölner Tafel food bank.
"I am delighted that we can celebrate a quarter of a century of the marathon in Cologne. Together with our partners, we have continuously developed the event and have even been able to actively bridge the Corona times with virtual runs. For 22 years, REWE Group has been reliably supplying the starters on the course and in the refreshment village, which is unique in this form in the German marathon scene. Together, we make the marathon in Cologne what it is - a great celebration," says Markus Frisch, Managing Director of Kölner AusdauerSport GmbH.
Ines Schurin, Group Director Corporate Communications, adds: "As a traditional Cologne-based company, we congratulate the Cologne Marathon on its anniversary. Today, it is impossible to imagine the cathedral city without the running event. And for many participants, it is a sporting preparation for the fifth season. The 3,354 REWE Group employees who have taken to the course so far have covered 62,419 marathon kilometres over the years and helped shape the colourful image of the marathon."
REWE delivery service back on board
After 2019 & 2022, the REWE delivery service is also providing logistical support for the 25th Cologne Marathon. REWE delivery service vehicles will drive in front of the leading group as the lead convoy and transport the marathon runners' own catering, among other things.motivation boost at the "Hammer Mile"
The last few kilometres are dreaded by many half marathon and marathon runners and some fall into a motivational slump. That's why REWE and toom Baumarkt DIY store are organising a colourful programme with music at the Hansaring / Ritterstraße location (kilometre 17 for half marathon runners; kilometre 29 and kilometre 38 for marathon runners) to get participants back on their feet.
REWE Group employees run for a good cause
For years, the REWE Group has donated one euro to HistiocytoseHilfe e.V. for every kilometre run by employees: in 2022, 225 finishers covered around 4,000 kilometres. This year, the "kilometre money" run by employees will once again benefit the HistiocytosisHilfe e.V. association.
REWE Group employees, supervised by the CoE Health & Innovation, prepare for the Cologne Marathon every year with a company-run programme to ensure they reach the finish line healthy and safe.
The mas institute from Cologne provides support: REWE Group runners receive special performance diagnostics,
based on this, they receive a personalised training plan and train in small guided running groups according to their ability level. In addition, every REWE Group starter can receive tips and tricks from professional long-distance runners at various running events and starts the Cologne Marathon with a high-quality running shirt including the REWE Group logo.
