
Workplace running groups are one of the most robust formats in BGF – not because running is particularly trendy, but because a fixed group with a fixed date creates the strongest form of social commitment a sports offering can provide.
Why people run more with others than alone Someone who has arranged to meet colleagues on Monday will show up even when they're tired. That's not an act of willpower, but social psychology: nobody wants to be the one who's missing. This mechanism is what makes running groups so durable. Add to that the preparation for concrete events – company runs, city races, charity runs – which keeps a group together for months without anyone having to actively promote the offering.
How to build a group that doesn't fizzle out The most common mistake with workplace running groups: starting too ambitiously. A group that plans for an hour three times a week is cut in half after four weeks. A group that runs 30–45 minutes once a week often lasts for years. What matters is a leader – not a manager, but someone who simply starts running and takes others along. This person doesn't need training, just reliability.
How to put it in place
- 1Determine interest via a short survey or notice
- 2Set a fixed running time + meeting point (e.g. Tuesdays 5:30 PM from the parking lot)
- 3Plan routes: 3 km (beginner), 5 km (intermediate), 8 km (advanced)
- 4Create and share a registration list
- 5Organize a kick-off run: relaxed, no performance pressure
- 6Set up a group chat for reminders and motivation
- 7Fix weekly running days for 8-10 weeks
What you need
- Effort
- half a day
- Cost
- under €100
- Duration
- 8-12
- Setup
- 120 min
- ✓ Shared goal
- ✓ Visible externally
- ✓ All fitness levels
- ✓ Sense of community
Eligible for funding: up to €600 tax-free
As part of a structured workplace health process, this measure is tax-free under § 3 no. 34 of the German Income Tax Act (EStG) up to €600 per employee per year — BGF-Kompass supplies the process. Certified offers (e.g. from Upfit) are additionally subsidised by statutory health insurers under § 20b SGB V.
Health-insurer funding & tax: how to apply →Adopt it for your company
Register for free — and the measure is ready to go in your cockpit: invitation, feedback survey and appointment are already set up. First cycle, first numbers for the boss.
Start for free nowRather take a look first? To the live demo →
Contributes to
Measure the impact with
Action field
Physical Activity →A fitting occasion
Related best practices
Not sure where to start? 5-minute self-check →