Link copied!
The runner

I am Thomas.
This is my story.

Why I run 560 km across Switzerland – and why I do it for Hamza.

Thomas Martin
🏃 runner Ultramarathon & Trails
About Me

Thomas Martin

I am Thomas, passionate runner from Germany. Running is more than sport to me – it's my way of clearing my head, pushing my limits and finding meaning.

In November 2025, at an event of the Toni Kroos Foundation, I met Hamza's family in person. What impressed me wasn't what they go through – it was how they do it: with an energy, a hope and a joy for life that catches you immediately.

That encounter didn't let me go. Hamza needs an operation in Barcelona that his family cannot afford alone. And it became clear to me: just donating isn't enough for me. I want to do something that fits who I am – and that brings as many people as possible along.

So the idea was born: run 560 kilometres across Switzerland. From Geneva to Bregenz. 15 running days. One clear goal: finance Hamza's operation. And once that's done – it continues. The next cause will show itself quickly.

Honestly On 20 % gradients, rough terrain, weather breakdowns or after 300 km in the legs, "running" sometimes turns into very fast walking or brisk hiking. The kilometres stay the same — I just adapt the form to reality.
560km
Planned route
14
Running days
~47km
Avg per day
€6.300
Support goal
My path

How it all began

From the first encounter to the start in Geneva.

November 2025

Meeting Hamza

At a Toni Kroos Foundation event I meet Hamza – and am immediately captivated by his energy and his smile.

💡
December 2025

The idea

I learn about Hamza's operation and the costs. On a morning run the idea comes to me: 560 km for Hamza's op costs – Geneva to Bregenz.

January–June 2026

Training & preparation

6 months of intensive training. Weekly runs up to 100 km, alpine tests, route planning with 14 GPX stages across Switzerland.

5. Juli 2026

Start in Geneva!

The first step at Lake Geneva. 15 days, 560 kilometres, one goal: fund Hamza's operation.

19. Juli 2026

Finish in Bregenz

At Lake Constance the journey ends. With the funds raised, Hamza's operation can take place.

⚕️
4. August 2026

Hamza's operation

Selective myofasciotomy with Dr. Igor Nazarov in Barcelona. This is the real goal.

Why I run

Running as a language of solidarity

I could have simply donated. But that didn't feel right. Hamza fights every day – physically, emotionally, with endurance and a smile. That deserves more than a bank transfer.

„When a child fights against his limits every day, I can at least run 560 kilometres for him."

– Thomas Martin

The run is my way of saying: I see you. And I give everything for you.

Every contribution – small or large – makes a difference. Directly via PayPal or credit card, in seconds, no sign-up required.

Switzerlander Alps
Preparation

How I prepare

560 km in 15 days means an average of 39.6 km per day – that requires months of preparation.

🏃

Weekly volume

Building up to 80–100 km/week in the peak phase. Regular back-to-back long runs on weekends to get used to running while fatigued.

⛰️

Elevation training

The Swiss Alps are no city park. Specific mountain training with up to 3,000 m elevation/week in preparation for the alpine middle stage.

Nutrition & recovery

Daily recovery is just as important as training. Sleep, nutrition planning for the running days and mental preparation for difficult moments.

Join in

Support my run.

You choose the amount – every euro goes directly into the currently active campaign (Hamza's operation first; once funded, automatically into the next purpose).

❤️ Donate now