Januam at the 13th Darmstadt Merck Corporate Run

DARMSTADT, May 13, 2026 — Darmstadt-based nonprofit organization Januam gUG, which supports people with migration backgrounds through language, digital inclusion, and participation projects, took part in the 13th Darmstadt Merck Corporate Run on Tuesday, May 12, with its own team. Together with around 7,500 registered runners from companies, public institutions, and associations, the team completed routes ranging from 2.5 to 10 kilometers around the Merck Stadium at Böllenfalltor. The event was held under the patronage of Darmstadt Mayor Hanno Benz.

The Januam team included participants from different course groups, administrative staff member Muhammed Gökbel, and several employees of the organization. Wearing matching team jerseys, the runners gathered before the start of the 2.5-kilometer race at 5:45 p.m., while additional team members later completed the 3.5-, 5-, and 10-kilometer courses. Initially cool and rainy weather improved just in time for the start.

“Our participation in the Merck Corporate Run meant much more than simply crossing the finish line,” said Serkan Tezgel, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Januam. “For our course participants, it was an opportunity to speak German, build new friendships, and feel part of the Darmstadt community outside the classroom. That sense of belonging is exactly what we aim to foster through all of our programs.”

The Darmstadt Merck Corporate Run took place for the 13th time in 2026 and recorded a new participation record with approximately 7,500 registrations — significantly more than the previous year. One euro from each registration fee is donated to four local nonprofit partner organizations: the “International Student Games” of Darmstadt’s Sports Office, Lauftreff Darmstadt, VC Darmstadt, and Darmstädter Werkstätten. The focus of the event is not competition, but the shared experience of companies, public institutions, and recreational teams participating together on the course.

Participants described the run as a shared experience similar to what Januam aims to create in its integration work: a combination of structured learning and informal community experiences. One course participant explained that the forest route, the spectators along the course, and the group photos in the stadium turned classmates into a real team and increased their motivation to continue training together. For 2027, the group has set the goal of completing the 5-kilometer route together.

“Integration does not happen only in the classroom,” said Tezgel. “It happens when people stand together at the starting line, wear the same jersey, and complete the same course. Events like the Merck Corporate Run create exactly those moments.”