Katronic at the 48th Harz Mountain Run: A Sporting Tradition in the Golden Autumn
Six Katronic employees took part in the traditional Harz Mountain Run in Wernigerode on 10 October 2026. In glorious autumn sunshine, the event brought together colleagues to enjoy physical activity, the great outdoors and time spent together.
Exploring the Harz Mountains Together in Autumn
The Harz Mountain Run has long been a regular fixture in Katronic’s annual calendar. Six employees once again took part in the 48th edition of the event, with four tackling the 11-kilometre hiking route and two colleagues taking on the 11-kilometre run. Four participants came from Katronic’s Wernigerode site, while two travelled from the company’s UK headquarters in Coventry. Katronic’s founder and Managing Director, Karsten Frahn, also completed his traditional 11-kilometre run.
With blue skies and pleasantly mild temperatures, the forest, resplendent in its autumn colours, provided ideal conditions for the event. A total of 3,951 people registered for the Harz Mountain Run. Alongside the Brocken Marathon, which attracted 791 participants, there was a wide selection of additional running and walking routes to choose from.
One particularly memorable moment came courtesy of our UK colleague Giles. Having thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the walk, he spontaneously decided to set off on another circuit of the forest after completing the initial 11 kilometres – this time in the opposite direction. The walk also held a special personal significance for Giles. His uncle Frederick, known as Freddie, served as a soldier in the British occupation zone towards the end of the Second World War. As a radio operator and sniper, he undertook numerous reconnaissance missions in the Harz Mountains, often travelling on wooden skis during the winter months.
For Giles, the walk became an emotional journey into his family’s past. It also served as a reminder of the close historical ties between Germany and Great Britain. Today, at this historically significant location, we are connected by the spirit of friendship and collaboration that characterises our international team.
The morning’s activities came to a fitting close with finisher’s medals, certificates and a well-earned beer in the autumn sunshine. However, the event was about much more than sporting achievement. Shared experiences like these strengthen team spirit and provide valuable opportunities for team building. In particular, the exchange between our German and British colleagues fosters mutual understanding and helps us grow closer as one team, across national borders.
A big thank you to the entire organising team. We’re already looking forward to the 2027 Harz Mountain Run!
Image sources: conceptfoto matthias bein, Harz-Gebirgslauf 1978 e.V., Katronic
