BASF Firmencup 2026: Team #OneSPIE at the Hockenheimring

Hockenheim, June 17, 2026 – The BASF Firmencup isn’t just about who crosses the finish line first. Some run with a specific time in mind, others enjoy a relaxed walk or are out on inline skates. What counts in the end is being there and completing the course. This year marked the 22nd time the event was held, bringing together 758 companies at the Hockenheimring. The run took place on the Grand Prix circuit, where racing cars usually do their laps.

Team #OneSPIE starts together
The race started in several waves at 15-minute intervals. Our SPIE AUTOMATION colleagues Moritz Tanzer and Christian Wonschik were part of the second wave and took to the track together with numerous colleagues from Team #OneSPIE. The anticipation was palpable even before the start. Familiar faces were everywhere, and there were plenty of opportunities to chat with SPIE colleagues from various divisions. The colorful jerseys in SPIE colors ensured that Team #OneSPIE was impossible to miss at the Hockenheimring.

From the starting line to the finish
For Christian, things got quite competitive on the track. Together with Sören Steinmetz (SPIE RODIAS), he ran in the lead group from the start and kept up the pace until the finish. He crossed the line after 18:54 minutes, securing 118th place in the overall standings. Within the #OneSPIE team, this even meant 1st place. “For me, the goal was simply to keep a steady pace,” Christian says. “But the best part was actually seeing Moritz after the finish. He came toward me with a huge grin.” And for good reason: Moritz also put in a strong performance, completing the 5.2 kilometers in 26:22 minutes.

Great conditions and Hockenheim flair
The conditions could hardly have been better: dry weather, pleasant temperatures, and a small shower along the route that provided some much-needed cooling. Drummers along the track and the unique backdrop of the Hockenheimring added to the atmosphere, setting the Firmencup apart from other running events.

More than just a run
The evening wasn’t over after crossing the finish line. During the post-race get-together, there was food, drinks, and plenty of conversation. Colleagues from different SPIE divisions took the opportunity to exchange ideas and make new contacts—straightforward and in the spirit of #OneSPIE.

Many thanks to our runners Christian and Moritz for strongly representing SPIE AUTOMATION at the Hockenheimring. And of course, a big thank you to everyone who organized Team #OneSPIE’s participation and made the run possible.