AOK Company Run Bochum — Kemnader See

A Run at Kemnader See

When thousands of runners in company shirts gather at Kemnader See on the first Thursday of July, it's time for the AOK Company Run Bochum — one of the most socially significant sporting events in the eastern Ruhr area. The reservoir between Bochum, Witten, and Hattingen, with its lakeside paths, meadows, and recreational zone, provides the ideal backdrop for a summer company run in a relaxed atmosphere — and in the spectacular landscape of the Ruhr valley between the three cities.

15th Edition Since 2011

The 15th edition in 2026 makes the AOK Company Run Bochum an established event. Since its first staging in 2011, the format has run annually with continuous growth. With a participant limit of 3,500 runners, the Bochum run is one of the largest of the 20 AOK NordWest company runs, which will see around 65,000 participants nationwide on the courses in 2026.

"It runs better together" — The Format

Like all AOK Company Runs, the format is based on team spirit rather than performance obsession:

• Distance: 5.5 km — manageable for beginners, ambitious for the more experienced
• Mode: Running or Walking — those who are slower are just as welcome
• Team: Registration via the company/authority captain. Employees of all hierarchy levels compete together
• AOK Socks as a special finisher highlight — a trademark of the series
• Atmosphere: Open-air catering, live music, team photos, award ceremonies for special categories (largest team, most creative costume, oldest participant, etc.)

Route at Kemnader See

The route covers 5.5 km around parts of Kemnader See — over asphalted lakeside paths, park avenues, and short natural trails. Elevation gain: minimal. Difficulty: low. The atmosphere benefits from the sunset light over the lake in July — many participants appreciate the combination of athletic experience and visual beauty.

Program Schedule from 5 PM

The official supporting program begins at 5:00 PM:

• 5:00 PM — Arrival of teams, bib collection, pasta party
• 6:00–6:45 PM — Warm-up, team photo sessions, stage program
• 7:00 PM — Run Start
• 7:30–8:30 PM — Finish line, AOK sock handover
• 8:30 PM — Aftershow with live music, award ceremony for special categories, catering

Registration by June 4, 2026

The registration deadline for the AOK Company Run Bochum 2026 ends on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Registration is via the central platform aok-firmenlauf.de or the dedicated Bochum site aok-firmenlauf-bochum.de. Per participant: entry fee includes starter package (running shirt, bib, timing chip, catering, AOK socks).

AOK NordWest and upletics GmbH

The organizer is AOK NordWest, the health insurance fund for Westphalia-Lippe and Schleswig-Holstein. Operational execution is handled by upletics GmbH, a specialized event service provider for company runs. Both partners organize a total of 20 AOK Company Runs nationwide.

Kemnader See — Three Cities, One Landscape

Kemnader See is a reservoir on the Ruhr River, serving as a recreational area since 1979 and situated between three major cities: Bochum (north), Witten (east — where the official start area is located, postcode 58455), and Hattingen (south). With boating, surfing, stand-up paddling, jogging, cycling, and family picnics, it is one of the most visited recreational spots in the eastern Ruhr area. The company run makes ideal use of this infrastructure.