Mercedes-Benz’s 2026 GIVE ’N RACE raises record donation

Mercedes-Benz Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee Chairman Mathias Vaitl, right, poses with participants to this year’s GIVE ’N RACE charity run in Busan, Sunday. Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz CSR Committee

BUSAN — Mercedes-Benz’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee successfully wrapped up its 13th GIVE ’N RACE charity run Sunday, raising a record amount of donations to promote a culture of sharing across society here, the carmaker said.

The annual event allows participants to engage in charitable giving simply by joining, as their entry fee is fully donated under each runner’s name.

For this year, the organizer introduced a special donation program, enabling voluntary additional contributions beyond the standard participation fee of 50,000 won ($33) per person. As a result, the 2026 GIVE ’N RACE raised a record-breaking 1.02 billion won.

All proceeds will be used to support children and adolescents in need, such as the establishment of child protection agencies and cultural facilities, as well as scholarship programs for promising young athletes.

Some 20,000 participants across the country gathered at the outdoor plaza at BEXCO and ran a scenic course spanning Gwangan Bridge to Gwangalli Beach in the southeastern port city.

The event drew runners of all ages, from the youngest participant born in 2024 to the oldest born in 1949.

Participants to the 2026 GIVE ’N RACE run along Gwangalli Beach in the southeastern port city of Busan, Sunday. Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz CSR Committee

Some key figures who participated in the event were Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon and Mercedes-Benz CSR Committee Chairman Mathias Vaitl, who also serves as the head of Mercedes-Benz Korea.

“GIVE ’N RACE has established itself as a meaningful social contribution initiative where voluntary participation creates greater value through sharing,” Vaitl said.

“The continued interest and engagement each year are driving tangible changes, helping children and adolescents grow up in safer environments. We will continue to expand our efforts to foster a culture of driving and strengthen the social safety net for future generations.”

Launched in 2017, the annual running event has grown into one of the carmaker’s flagship social contribution programs.

Registration for this year’s race reached capacity in just 15 minutes, making it the fastest sellout to date.

The event has so far attracted a cumulative 165,000 participants and raised a total donation of 8.6 billion won. All the donations have been transparently used to support child welfare and education through the Kids & Future Foundation, according to the committee.

Participants can choose from either the 10-kilometer or 8-kilometer courses and receive commemorative medals and digital certificates upon completion.

Mercedes-Benz CSR Committee was launched in 2014 and has carried out a wide range of social activities in Korea, focusing mostly on children, education and the environment.