Professor Dr. Wolfgang Gieler(Opens in a new tab) completed his 1,000th marathon and ultramarathon at the 5th FILA São Paulo Marathon(Opens in a new tab) .
For many years, Wolfgang Gieler served as an adjunct professor in the area of research methods and scientific work in social work within the Faculty of Applied Social Studies. Marathon(Opens in a new tab) .
For many years, Wolfgang Gieler served as an adjunct professor in the area of research methods and scientific work in social work within the Faculty of Applied Social Studies(Opens in a new tab) . He currently teaches regularly as a lecturer in the Bachelor’s study program in Social Work and in the department’s Master’s study programs.
More than 48,000 kilometers of racing since 1986
With 846 marathons, 154 ultra-marathons, and more than 48,000 kilometers covered, Gieler can look back on an extraordinary running career. What began in 1986 with his first marathon in Duisburg led, four decades later, to this special milestone in Brazil.
Academic Work and Social Engagement
Alongside his academic work as a professor—including at Fachhochschule Dortmund and Arts—Gieler combined research, teaching, and running for many years. For him, running was always more than just a athletic challenge: it symbolizes endurance, discipline, and social responsibility.
His social activism is also closely tied to running. Together with his running partner, Father Tobias Breer, and numerous other supporters, Gieler organized running events to benefit those affected by the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley. Through these efforts, a total of 46,000 euros was raised and donated to the victims of the flood disaster.
Perseverance and passion in all areas
The “running professor” thus combines research, teaching, and sports—and demonstrates that great goals can be achieved through perseverance, passion, and social commitment.