14. Kölner Leselauf

On May 2, 2024, the starting signal for the 14th Cologne Reading Run will be given at the RheinEnergieSTADION at 7:00 pm. As part of the non-profit event, not only can you run 5 km or 10 km, but there is also a varied sports program to choose from. Those who want to take it slower can join Henning Krautmacher on a 5 km power walk from 19:15. From 5:30 p.m., a 15 km route through the west of Cologne will also be used to draw attention to shortcomings in education policy with a cycling demonstration, while a yoga session for beginners will take place at the same time.

The "Run of the Schools" will also be integrated into the event in the afternoon. Almost 1000 schoolchildren from Cologne will have the opportunity to gain their first running experience over 2 km or 4 km. The focus of the school run is on fun and the promotion of social and community experience.

For this reason, all proceeds from the event will go to the charity Run & Ride for Reading. The organization is committed to setting up and promoting reading clubs at Cologne schools, which have a particularly large number of pupils from low-income families. Hendrik Wüst, Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, is the patron of the charitable event: "Learning to read creates the conditions for a successful educational path. Reading connects people, conveys values and strengthens self-confidence. Every moment and every contribution we make to the education and reading promotion of children and young people is well invested in the future of our country. The Cologne reading run organized by the "Run & Ride for Reading" association has been making a valuable contribution to promoting reading skills for years. The reading run focuses on sport for a good cause. Every kilometer along the way leads all participants to an important goal: to help children and young people in the country to learn to read even better."