Struck a chord with the Adlershof Company Run
In conversation with organiser Annika Huber-Lieske
She is the organiser behind the Adlershof Company Run (Adlershofer Firmenstaffel). Annika Huber-Lieske was responsible for the concept of the running event, which she developed with GSBB Gesundheitssport Berlin Brandenburg e.V., an association promoting healthy exercising, and really struck a chord in the Science City Adlershof. Ninety teams of three attended the first installment in 2013. The fourth company run will take place on 15 September in the landscape park Adlershof/Johannisthal. Event manager Huber-Lieske says that the maximum capacity is 150 teams. She would have to think about a different venue if more people apply. Although she inspires many people to take part in the company run, the slender woman in her mid-thirties is not a huge runner herself. As a mother of two girls, she prefers to use her limited time to meet friends rather than exercising.
What is the Adlershof Company Run?
It is an annual running event for all Adlershof-based companies and institutes. It is a 8.7 kilometre run through the landscape park with male, female and mixed teams of three.
Is the run all about winning?
Naturally, the fastest team wins the prize, but team spirit and fun are at the heart of the company run. This includes creative team names - my favourite is “The Fickle Fysicists” - and the audience having a good time cheering. I remember, the year before last, some colleagues supporting their runners with a group of drummers. We also offer catering after the run, so everybody can celebrate their results and socialise with runners from other companies.
Are there any changes this year?
We are planning to organise a beach volleyball tournament after the run. There are courts right next to the starting and finishing line. We also have some ideas for music. Maybe we will find a band who is interested in performing.
How do you finance the run?
The entry fee of 45 euro per team is not quite enough to finance the event. We depend on our sponsors and are thankful for any kind of engagement, whether it’s partners, prize donors, or ideas for the social and cultural programme.
Are you a passionate runner yourself?
To be honest, I am not a big runner myself. I prefer climbing, dancing, and pilates.
How long have you been working in Adlershof and what do you do when you’re not organising the company run?
I have been working for Schickmacher GmbH since 2011. We design websites, produce a variety of advertising material, and manage smaller events.
What did you want to be growing up?
A stewardess. My mother worked for British Airways for a long while. So I was a frequent flyer as a child. However, I always have been a very structured and organized person, so I went for an apprenticeship in event management. I moved around a lot, I worked for an events agency as well as event design agency, organised festivities for Lutter und Wegner on Gendarmenmarkt and in the Kaisersaal at Potsdamer Platz as well as company events at the Kulturbrauerei Berlin.
Your favourite place in Adlershof is…
…the landscape park. It’s a great contrast to the new buildings and the focus on science and technology on the site. I think a big city like Berlin needs green areas in the inner city.
A decision you never regretted?
My two girls. They are two and six years old.
When did you last try something new?
During my NLP coaching training, which I’m doing on the side, I look at new methods for solution-focused change all the time. It is intriguing, You learn a lot about oneself and others. The focus is on successful communication and the modelling of human skill and potential.
What do you do in your free time?
Mainly I spend time with my family and my friends. We like leaving the city on the weekend. Whenever I have time, I also love reading, especially biographies. The Mexican painter Frida Kahlo really left a lasting impression on me. I admire her strength of character despite all the setbacks she experienced.