Why was RB Leipzig's chairman Oliver Mintzlaff running on a treadmill next to the pitch?
RB Leipzig's chairman of the supervisory board, Oliver Mintzlaff, was running on a treadmill next to the pitch throughout his side's Matchday 31 encounter at home to Union Berlin. But why?
As kick-off approached ahead of what was ultimately a comfortable 3-1 victory for Leipzig that took them a step closer to qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season, cameras trained on Mintzlaff next to the pitch.
Clad in exercise gear and on a treadmill, the 50-year-old began jogging lightly - and would do so throughout the game, only taking a break at half-time.
The reason? He was promoting the Wings for Life World Run, an initiative that raises money for charity.
The event will take place on 10 May 2026 around the Red Bull Arena, with more than 1,200 participants already registered.
It forms part of a global charity run supporting research into spinal cord injuries, with all entry fees and donations going towards finding a cure.
Mintzlaff covered a total of 21.41 kilometres (13.3 miles) during the game, and raised over €100,000 alongside Benjamin Ippoliti, Global Head of Marketing & Communications, who ran on a treadmill next to him.
Jürgen Klopp was one of a number of people to donate to Mintzlaff per kilometre covered.
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