NCT Run 2025 for applied cancer research: Register now!

From July 11 to 13, 2025, the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg invites you to participate in the 14th NCT Run. People around the world are getting active for a good cause – whether they prefer jogging, hiking, or walking. The starting point, route, and distance are up to you. Participation is free, and donations for applied cancer research are welcome. Registration is now open: www.nct-lauf.de
The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg is a joint institution of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), the Heidelberg Medical Faculty of the Heidelberg University, and the Thoraxklinik Heidelberg.
It is one of the largest sporting movements for a good cause: Since 2012, approximately 56,000 people on seven continents have participated in the NCT Run organized by the NCT Heidelberg. Together, they covered more than 650,000 kilometers and raised over 1 million euros in donations.
From July 11 to 13, 2025, the impressive figures are set to increase even further. All exercise enthusiasts are invited to take part in the 14th NCT Run. How participants collect their kilometers is up to them: they can walk, hike, or jog in the woods, fields, or on asphalt and choose their own route. Those who wish to can also run on all three days and collect multiple kilometers for a good cause.
As in previous years, a global online community will be participating in the NCT Run. The starting locations will be spread across the world – the exact locations will be shown on a map. Online registration is now open: www.nct-lauf.de. Participation is free of charge, but donations for innovative cancer treatment at the NCT Heidelberg are welcome.
The motto of the NCT Run is “It's the taking part that counts.” However, those looking for a competitive challenge can take part in the Bahnstadtlauf organized by the Heidelberg Turnverein on July 12, 2025. As in the previous year, one kilometer of the 2.5-kilometer circuit will be integrated into the NCT Run. This means that every participant automatically contributes one kilometer per lap to the common goal of the NCT Run. Those who also register for the NCT Run will have their entire distance included in the ranking. Dirk Jäger, Managing Director of the NCT Heidelberg and Head of the Department of Medical Oncology at Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), says: “The NCT Run combines exercise with a good cause – it couldn't be better. We would like to thank all participants for their commitment, which ultimately helps us to provide even better treatment for our patients at the NCT Heidelberg.”
The NCT Heidelberg would like to motivate participants to cover a total of 40,000 kilometers. Until this goal is reached, SAP, the main sponsor, will donate €0.50 for every kilometer covered. The patron of the event is the mayor of Heidelberg, Eckart Würzner. Stefan Fröhling, Managing Director at NCT Heidelberg and Head of the Department of Translational Medical Oncology at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), says: “The NCT Heidelberg stands for innovative applied cancer research. The athletes participating in the NCT Run are making a significant contribution to our progress in this field and to the transfer of more and more research findings into clinical practice for the benefit of patients.”
Facts and figures
Date: Friday, July 11 (12:00 a.m.), until Sunday, July 13, 2025 (12:00 a.m.)
Symbolic start: July 11, on Facebook and Instagram
Registration: Online at www.nct-lauf.de
Entry fee: Free. Donations to the NCT Heidelberg are welcome.
Fundraising campaign: Personal fundraising campaigns can be set up on the NCT website: www.nct-heidelberg.de/spendenaktion
Distance: Can be chosen freely. Kilometers covered are entered manually online using personal login details.
Organization:
Regina Hohmann, Tel.: 06221 56-36146, Email: regina.hohmann(at)nct-heidelberg.de
Andreas Klein, Tel.: 06221 42-5448, Email: andreas.klein(at)nct-heidelberg.de
Organizer: Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD)
How to participate: Participants can share their personal NCT run on social media using #nctlauf and #nctrun. Alternatively, they can send photos and videos directly to the organizers: fundraising(at)nct-heidelberg.de
NCT donation account: National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg
LBBW Stuttgart
IBAN: DE64 6005 0101 7421 5004 29
BIC: SOLADEST600
Reference: D 100 70680
Partner 2025: Bahnstadtlauf, https://heidelberger-tv.de/bahnstadtlauf/, registration fee applies
The NCT is a long-term collaboration between the DKFZ, excellent partners in university medicine, and other outstanding research partners at various locations in Germany.
An image accompanying this press release is available free of charge at:
Terms of use for image material in press releases
Use is free of charge. The NCT Heidelberg permits one-time use in connection with reporting on the topic of the press release. Please cite the copyright “NCT Heidelberg” as the source. The image material may only be passed on to third parties after prior consultation with NCT Communications (tel.: +49 6221 42-1755, email: martin.staiger@nct-heidelberg.de). Use for commercial purposes is prohibited.
Contact for the press:
Dr. Martin Staiger
National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg
Communication and Events
Im Neuenheimer Feld 460
69120 Heidelberg
Phone: +49 6221 56-311272
E-mail: martin.staiger(at)nct-heidelberg.de
www.nct-heidelberg.de
The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg
The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg is a joint institution of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the University Hospital Heidelberg (UKHD), the Heidelberg Medical Faculty of the Heidelberg University and the Thoraxklinik Heidelberg. The aim of the NCT Heidelberg is to transfer promising approaches from cancer research into clinical practice as quickly as possible, and thus to benefit patients. This applies to both diagnosis and treatment, in aftercare or prevention. Participation in clinical studies opens up access to innovative therapies. The NCT Heidelberg is thus a leader in transferring new research results from the laboratory to the clinic The NCT Heidelberg, founded in 2004, is part of the NCT with further locations in Berlin, Dresden, SouthWest (Tübingen-Stuttgart/Ulm), WERA (Würzburg, Erlangen, Regensburg, Augsburg) and West (Essen/Cologne).
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
With more than 3,000 employees, the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) is Germany’s largest biomedical research institute. DKFZ scientists identify cancer risk factors, investigate how cancer progresses and develop new cancer prevention strategies. They are also developing new methods to diagnose tumors more precisely and treat cancer patients more successfully. The DKFZ's Cancer Information Service (KID) provides patients, interested citizens and experts with individual answers to questions relating to cancer.
To transfer promising approaches from cancer research to the clinic and thus improve the prognosis of cancer patients, the DKFZ cooperates with excellent research institutions and university hospitals throughout Germany:
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT, 6 sites)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, 8 sites)
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ) Heidelberg
- Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology (HI-TRON Mainz) - A Helmholtz Institute of the DKFZ
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim
- National Cancer Prevention Center (jointly with German Cancer Aid)
The DKFZ is 90 percent financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and 10 percent by the state of Baden-Württemberg. The DKFZ is a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers.
Heidelberg University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine: Internationally Renowned Patient Care, Research and Teaching
Heidelberg University Hospital (Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, UKHD) is one of the largest and most prestigious medical centers in Germany. The Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University (Medizinische Fakultät Heidelberg, MFHD) belongs to the internationally renowned biomedical research institutions in Europe. Both institutions have the common goal of developing new therapies and implementing them rapidly for patients. Heidelberg University Hospital and the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University employs around 14.500 employees and is committed to providing trainings and qualifications. Every year, around 86,000 patients and more than 1.100.000 outpatient cases are treated in more than 50 clinical departments with almost 2.500 beds.
Together with the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) and the German Cancer Aid, the UKHD established the first National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) in Heidelberg. The goal is to provide care at the highest level as an oncology center of excellence and to rapidly transfer promising approaches from cancer research to the hospital. In addition, the UKHD operates in partnership with the DKFZ and the University of Heidelberg the Hopp Children’s Cancer center Heidelberg (KiTZ), a unique and nationally known therapy and research center for oncological and hematological diseases in children and adolescents.
The Heidelberg Curriculum Medicinale (HeiCuMed) is one of the top medical training programs in Germany. Currently, there are about 4.000 future physicians studying in Heidelberg.
NCT Run 2025 for applied cancer research: Register now!

From July 11 to 13, 2025, the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg invites you to participate in the 14th NCT Run. People around the world are getting active for a good cause – whether they prefer jogging, hiking, or walking. The starting point, route, and distance are up to you. Participation is free, and donations for applied cancer research are welcome. Registration is now open: www.nct-lauf.de
The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg is a joint institution of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), the Heidelberg Medical Faculty of the Heidelberg University, and the Thoraxklinik Heidelberg.
It is one of the largest sporting movements for a good cause: Since 2012, approximately 56,000 people on seven continents have participated in the NCT Run organized by the NCT Heidelberg. Together, they covered more than 650,000 kilometers and raised over 1 million euros in donations.
From July 11 to 13, 2025, the impressive figures are set to increase even further. All exercise enthusiasts are invited to take part in the 14th NCT Run. How participants collect their kilometers is up to them: they can walk, hike, or jog in the woods, fields, or on asphalt and choose their own route. Those who wish to can also run on all three days and collect multiple kilometers for a good cause.
As in previous years, a global online community will be participating in the NCT Run. The starting locations will be spread across the world – the exact locations will be shown on a map. Online registration is now open: www.nct-lauf.de. Participation is free of charge, but donations for innovative cancer treatment at the NCT Heidelberg are welcome.
The motto of the NCT Run is “It's the taking part that counts.” However, those looking for a competitive challenge can take part in the Bahnstadtlauf organized by the Heidelberg Turnverein on July 12, 2025. As in the previous year, one kilometer of the 2.5-kilometer circuit will be integrated into the NCT Run. This means that every participant automatically contributes one kilometer per lap to the common goal of the NCT Run. Those who also register for the NCT Run will have their entire distance included in the ranking. Dirk Jäger, Managing Director of the NCT Heidelberg and Head of the Department of Medical Oncology at Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), says: “The NCT Run combines exercise with a good cause – it couldn't be better. We would like to thank all participants for their commitment, which ultimately helps us to provide even better treatment for our patients at the NCT Heidelberg.”
The NCT Heidelberg would like to motivate participants to cover a total of 40,000 kilometers. Until this goal is reached, SAP, the main sponsor, will donate €0.50 for every kilometer covered. The patron of the event is the mayor of Heidelberg, Eckart Würzner. Stefan Fröhling, Managing Director at NCT Heidelberg and Head of the Department of Translational Medical Oncology at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), says: “The NCT Heidelberg stands for innovative applied cancer research. The athletes participating in the NCT Run are making a significant contribution to our progress in this field and to the transfer of more and more research findings into clinical practice for the benefit of patients.”
Facts and figures
Date: Friday, July 11 (12:00 a.m.), until Sunday, July 13, 2025 (12:00 a.m.)
Symbolic start: July 11, on Facebook and Instagram
Registration: Online at www.nct-lauf.de
Entry fee: Free. Donations to the NCT Heidelberg are welcome.
Fundraising campaign: Personal fundraising campaigns can be set up on the NCT website: www.nct-heidelberg.de/spendenaktion
Distance: Can be chosen freely. Kilometers covered are entered manually online using personal login details.
Organization:
Regina Hohmann, Tel.: 06221 56-36146, Email: regina.hohmann(at)nct-heidelberg.de
Andreas Klein, Tel.: 06221 42-5448, Email: andreas.klein(at)nct-heidelberg.de
Organizer: Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD)
How to participate: Participants can share their personal NCT run on social media using #nctlauf and #nctrun. Alternatively, they can send photos and videos directly to the organizers: fundraising(at)nct-heidelberg.de
NCT donation account: National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg
LBBW Stuttgart
IBAN: DE64 6005 0101 7421 5004 29
BIC: SOLADEST600
Reference: D 100 70680
Partner 2025: Bahnstadtlauf, https://heidelberger-tv.de/bahnstadtlauf/, registration fee applies
The NCT is a long-term collaboration between the DKFZ, excellent partners in university medicine, and other outstanding research partners at various locations in Germany.
An image accompanying this press release is available free of charge at:
Terms of use for image material in press releases
Use is free of charge. The NCT Heidelberg permits one-time use in connection with reporting on the topic of the press release. Please cite the copyright “NCT Heidelberg” as the source. The image material may only be passed on to third parties after prior consultation with NCT Communications (tel.: +49 6221 42-1755, email: martin.staiger@nct-heidelberg.de). Use for commercial purposes is prohibited.
Contact for the press:
Dr. Martin Staiger
National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg
Communication and Events
Im Neuenheimer Feld 460
69120 Heidelberg
Phone: +49 6221 56-311272
E-mail: martin.staiger(at)nct-heidelberg.de
www.nct-heidelberg.de
The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg
The National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg is a joint institution of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the University Hospital Heidelberg (UKHD), the Heidelberg Medical Faculty of the Heidelberg University and the Thoraxklinik Heidelberg. The aim of the NCT Heidelberg is to transfer promising approaches from cancer research into clinical practice as quickly as possible, and thus to benefit patients. This applies to both diagnosis and treatment, in aftercare or prevention. Participation in clinical studies opens up access to innovative therapies. The NCT Heidelberg is thus a leader in transferring new research results from the laboratory to the clinic The NCT Heidelberg, founded in 2004, is part of the NCT with further locations in Berlin, Dresden, SouthWest (Tübingen-Stuttgart/Ulm), WERA (Würzburg, Erlangen, Regensburg, Augsburg) and West (Essen/Cologne).
German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
With more than 3,000 employees, the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) is Germany’s largest biomedical research institute. DKFZ scientists identify cancer risk factors, investigate how cancer progresses and develop new cancer prevention strategies. They are also developing new methods to diagnose tumors more precisely and treat cancer patients more successfully. The DKFZ's Cancer Information Service (KID) provides patients, interested citizens and experts with individual answers to questions relating to cancer.
To transfer promising approaches from cancer research to the clinic and thus improve the prognosis of cancer patients, the DKFZ cooperates with excellent research institutions and university hospitals throughout Germany:
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT, 6 sites)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, 8 sites)
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ) Heidelberg
- Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology (HI-TRON Mainz) - A Helmholtz Institute of the DKFZ
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim
- National Cancer Prevention Center (jointly with German Cancer Aid)
The DKFZ is 90 percent financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and 10 percent by the state of Baden-Württemberg. The DKFZ is a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers.
Heidelberg University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine: Internationally Renowned Patient Care, Research and Teaching
Heidelberg University Hospital (Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, UKHD) is one of the largest and most prestigious medical centers in Germany. The Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University (Medizinische Fakultät Heidelberg, MFHD) belongs to the internationally renowned biomedical research institutions in Europe. Both institutions have the common goal of developing new therapies and implementing them rapidly for patients. Heidelberg University Hospital and the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University employs around 14.500 employees and is committed to providing trainings and qualifications. Every year, around 86,000 patients and more than 1.100.000 outpatient cases are treated in more than 50 clinical departments with almost 2.500 beds.
Together with the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) and the German Cancer Aid, the UKHD established the first National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) in Heidelberg. The goal is to provide care at the highest level as an oncology center of excellence and to rapidly transfer promising approaches from cancer research to the hospital. In addition, the UKHD operates in partnership with the DKFZ and the University of Heidelberg the Hopp Children’s Cancer center Heidelberg (KiTZ), a unique and nationally known therapy and research center for oncological and hematological diseases in children and adolescents.
The Heidelberg Curriculum Medicinale (HeiCuMed) is one of the top medical training programs in Germany. Currently, there are about 4.000 future physicians studying in Heidelberg.