Get more from your run

As part of our BMW BERLIN MARATHON partnership, we held a panel discussion with three exceptional para-athletes. 

Max Bankewitz, our General Manager Germany, Austria, Switzerland, spoke with Verena Bentele, a blind biathlete and cross-country skier as well as Germany's most successful para-athlete, Ali Lacin, T61-classification (bilateral above-the-knee amputated) para-athlete 200m & wide jump and the face of our running campaign; and Tina Deeken, a world champion in para ice swimming, para-triathlete and marathon handbiker. The panel shed light on challenges and opportunities and explored how major sporting events can be made more inclusive for athletes with disabilities. This includes finding suitable adaptive sports equipment and apparel.

Max: I ran my first marathon last year and was deeply impressed by the commitment and performance of the three para-athletes who are with me today. It’s a huge undertaking, and it’s about much more than just getting from A to B. It’s about overcoming barriers, not only on the track but also in your mind. Let’s start from the start. Ali, what was the moment you knew this was your path?

Ali: I was trying to get fit again and I met people who believed in me and took me to sports events. I saw a report about Paralympic athletes and decided to give it a try. At 25, I took my first fast steps. The feeling of the wind on my face hooked me instantly. It gripped me so much that I knew: this is my path.

Verena: I was a high-energy kid who tried everything. My parents were always happy when I was doing sports! I tried judo, horseback riding, track and field, and then cross-country skiing. I actually thought cross-country skiing was an "old lady sport" at first, but when I went for the first time at age 10, I immediately fell in love. Today, running is my go-to sport because it's easy to do anywhere and helps me find balance.

Max: Beyond competition, what does running mean to you?

Ali: For me, it’s about freedom—being able to move freely. That is the special moment for me. Of course, you want to win and push for your personal best, but freedom and the joy of running are the most important things.

Verena: It's my source of energy. I can run to get rid of "bad vibes" by pounding them into the ground with my footsteps, or to recharge, like an electric vehicle regenerating energy while going downhill. It's the most calming sport for me, a way to really switch off, whether I'm chatting with my guide runners or running quietly on my own.

Tina: For me, it was always about being part of something bigger. I love the community aspect and being able to participate in a sports event with other people. It's not always easy with a handbike, so the opportunity to be there with everyone means a lot.

Max: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a para-athlete, and how important is the right, suitable gear and what about Adaptive fashion?

Verena: The biggest barrier is often the cost of equipment, which health insurance companies often don't cover, even though sports are so crucial for our health. It's a problem, for example, that kids can't just try a sport because the equipment is so expensive. And personally, finding a guide runner who can travel with me for work is a constant challenge.

Ali: Specialized equipment like sports prosthetics is essential, but it’s incredibly expensive. A single set can cost over 10,000 Euros per season, and they need to be replaced every year. Finding a sponsor is difficult, and I remember the time I didn’t have one. It takes a lot of effort to ask companies for support.