Wolfgang Schwerk (50), Opera Singer and Record Chaser

The world record of New York

June 11 – August 1, 2006

- Portrait -

Wolfgang Schwerk (50), opera singer and record chaser

When the opera singer Cornelia Berger-Schwerk from the German Opera on the Rhine is asked “… and what does your husband do for a living?” she answers with a slight smile, “He loves life”.

A bit of everything…

Wolfgang Schwerk probably has the most unusual CV of all ultra marathon runners. A trained retail salesman, he then took singing training to become an opera singer. But a lyrical baritone and ultra marathon runner? Even for Schwerk the two didn’t seem to fit. So he became a farmer, carpenter, poultry breeder and, after his daughter’s birth, a househusband, which he has now been for 22 years.

But of course, he isn’t just a househusband. In his spare time he builds instruments. He produces guitars and balalaikas in his workshop and says: “What my wife said about me being making the most of life is true, I try my hand at most things. The guitars that I build, for example, are unique. And I almost became a sculptor.”

And this is the man who’s running the world’s toughest race.

It probably takes an unconventional guy like him to make the grade. In 2001 he ran right across Australia and came in sixth. He already participated three times in the MegaMarathon over 3,100 miles in New York. In 2002, he won and set a new world record. In 2003, Schwerk reached the finish line of the Transeurope run in Moscow in third place after approx. 3,100 miles, having set out in Lisbon.

Facts and figures:

Wolfgang Schwerk, 50 years old, 174 cm, 70 kilograms, married to Cornelia Berger-Schwerk since 1981, children: one daughter. Residence: Solingen.

Greatest achievements: World-record holder of 3,100 miles MegaMarathon in New York. Finishing the Trans-Australia Race 2001 (2,900 miles). Third place in the Lisbon-Moscow race 2003 over more than 3,100 miles.

For the latest information and photos from the world record attempt, visit:

www.lanxess.com/recordrun

Information for editors:

All our news releases and photos can be found on the LANXESS homepage at www.lanxess.com under the “Press” button.

Leverkusen, June 2, 2006

re/ak (2006-0118E)

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by LANXESS AG management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.