Successful winter cross-country run of the Jena youth fire departments

On Saturday, November 15, the traditional winter cross-country run of the youth fire departments took place in Jena - this year organized by the Göschwitz Volunteer Fire Brigade (FF). Around 60 children and young people and 28 supervisors from a total of eight Jena youth fire departments, the Bambini fire department "Löschdrachen" (6 to 10 years old) and guests from Pfiffelbach and the Apolda branch of the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) took to the starting line.

The 6-kilometer circuit began and ended at Fire and Rescue Station 2 of the Jena fire department in Göschwitz. The route led via Maua, district road 2 in the direction of Rutha, through the Lobeda industrial estate above the Lobdeburg tunnel and then back to Göschwitz via the cycle path. Around 40 meters in altitude had to be mastered on the varied course.

Along the way, the groups completed seven stations that required teamwork, communication and skill. There were also five other stations on the grounds of the fire station, where both practical and theoretical firefighting skills were required. The young participants mastered all the tasks with great commitment and noticeable joy in working together.

The event was supported by numerous helpers from the Leutra, Lützeroda, Zwätzen, Göschwitz and Pfiffelbach fire brigades, the Apolda branch of the THW and the emergency services of the Workers' Samaritan Federation (ASB). The ASB also provided lunch, for which special thanks are due.

With the winter cross-country run, the youth fire departments were once again able to show how important young talent, team spirit and active volunteering are for safety and a sense of community in Jena.