Successful Conclusion of the Weltklasse Zürich Extrameile 2026 Season
Weltklasse Zürich Extrameile looks back on its most successful season since the project was launched. In 2026, around 13,000 children from 600 school classes participated in nine regional celebration events across German-speaking Switzerland. This means that the movement and school programme initiated by Weltklasse Zürich reached more children and young people than ever before. (Photo: HC Davos)
From Zurich, Zug, Bern, Lucerne, Basel and St. Gallen to Davos and Rapperswil, Weltklasse Zürich Extrameile inspired thousands of children to be more physically active throughout the school year. The project does not focus on running performance, but on developing endurance skills. Pupils set personal goals, work towards them through regular training during physical education classes, and experience first-hand that perseverance and consistent effort pay off. This strengthens their physical fitness, as well as important life skills such as self-confidence, goal orientation and resilience.
A distinctive feature of Weltklasse Zürich Extrameile is the regional showcase events. These events represent the highlight of the programme and allow children to experience their achievements and progress first-hand. Thanks to strong partners, participating classes enjoy unique experiences at exceptional venues, including Wankdorf Stadium with BSC Young Boys in Bern, HC Davos, EV Zug, the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne and Knie’s Children’s Zoo in Rapperswil. These memorable experiences create lasting emotional connections and foster a long-term enjoyment of physical activity.
«The Weltklasse Zürich Extrameile is not just a running project; it is a life skills project. Children learn that success does not depend on talent, but on pursuing a goal and staying committed to it step by step. The enthusiasm and pride we witness at the regional showcase events demonstrate year after year how valuable this experience is for children. With Fribourg joining the programme from 2027 onwards, we will be able to create this impact in French-speaking Switzerland for the first time, says Christoph Joho, Co-Meeting Director of Weltklasse Zürich.
The successful implementation of Weltklasse Zürich Extrameile is made possible through close collaboration with regional education and sports authorities, the «Freude herrscht» Foundation and the many partners hosting the regional events. Together, they are committed to providing positive movement experiences for children and young people while encouraging a lifelong enjoyment of an active lifestyle.
