BMW Berlin Marathon Race Recap

Over 70 Achilles members from chapters across the globe competed in the 49th BMW Berlin Marathon on September 24, 2023, including:

• Achilles Colombia

• Achilles Los Angeles

• Achilles Mexico

• Achilles Mongolia

• Achilles Munich

• Achilles New Jersey

• Achilles Norway

• Achilles NYC

• Achilles Stuttgart

For many of the athletes, it was their first time ever racing the Berlin Marathon, but for Puspa Poarangan of Achilles NYC, it was her first marathon ever! 

“I have a congenital neuro defect. Having been born with a disability, I learned to persevere from an early age. Some things may seem impossible or out of reach, sometimes literally, but as long as I keep going, it’s all that matters,” Puspa says. “Racing the Berlin Marathon was so much fun and such an incredible experience. I couldn’t have done it without all the love and support from Achilles!” 

Dylan Bourne from Achilles LA took on the challenge of completing the marathon in under three hours. With the help of his guides Emanuel Heitlinger and Volker Harbrecht, who supported him on the course, Dylan was able to crush his goal and finished the race with a final time of two hours and 57 minutes! 

Achilles was also thrilled to welcome two of our Team Achilles charity runners to the Berlin Marathon. Tavi Wallace and Marco Giarracca not only raised a combined total of $4,300 to support athletes with disabilities, but they also stepped in as volunteer guides at the last minute to ensure that an athlete could cross the finish line!

We are so proud of all the hard work our athletes put into this event and are looking forward to the rest of a great fall marathon season. 

Achilles members smiling together at the Berlin Marathon.

Achilles members posing together with their medals from the Berlin Marathon.

Achilles Mexico members posing together at a team dinner celebration.

Achilles member smiling and waving while running on the Berlin Marathon race course.

Group photo of Achilles members at the Berlin Marathon.