Participants of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon run for good

During the Frankfurt Running Festival at the end of October, the proud sum of 17,925.56 euro in donations for the project “Der Wünschewagen” (wishing car) from the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) was raised.

Racing director Jo Schindler handed over the donation cheque on Thursday to the ASB, long-time charity partner. Jo Schindler: “It was fantastic for us to see how many runners and spectators took to the streets when the Mainova Frankfurt returned. And their willingness to donate for our charity partnership with the ASB. This shows us the integrative power of sport in these difficult times in our society.”

The “Wünschewagen” wishing car project, which is funded exclusively by donations, has been fulfilling dying wishes of the terminally ill in Hesse since 2017. Often, seriously ill people in particular can no longer travel independently to achieve their remaining goals. This is exactly where the ASB comes in, and brings its passengers on their remaining visits in a vehicle specially converted for this purpose. For example, an older lady suffering from cancer has recently been baptised by her granddaughter. “We are happy to be able help the seriously ill and their relatives,” says race director Schindler.

Ludwig Frölich, chairman of the ASB in Hessen state, said: “It is great that the ASB Hessen wish car gets so much support from the runners of the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon experiences so much encouragement. It’s an impressive commitment by Jo Schindler and his team who have been supporting the project with great dedication for many years. I would like to thank you from the heart.”

The classic race on the River Main and the ASB Hessen have been in partnership for six years of mutual support. Race director Jo Schindler announced that this strong connection will continue in the marathon’s anniversary year, 2023. So the ASB will be present once more at the 40th edition of the Frankfurt Marathon on October 29, with over 120 volunteers from all over Hesse.

The largest proportion of the donation amount was raised because numerous participants passed through the large “donation gate”, which specially constructed at the 7.5km and 39km points, and thus donated four euro each. For the first time, all runners who donated this way received a free souvenir photo – made possible by cooperation between ASB and the marathon partner and sporting goods manufacturer Hoka.

But there were also other ways to support the wishing car project. The charity bracelet “Wishlet” was available in the exhibition hall for five euro. Many runners also decided to donate the deposit for their time measurement chip. In addition, employees of another marathon partner, the airline Ana, were on the road on the race weekend in order to draw more attention to the great work of the ASB project.

For more information about the ASB, see: www.wuenschewagen.de, or make a direct donation at www.asb-hessen.de/wuenschenwagenrheinmain.