Achilles Germany Kicks Off Berlin Marathon with 470-Mile Relay “From Gate to Gate”

In celebration of the 50th BMW Berlin Marathon, Achilles Germany athletes with and without disabilities completed an over 470-mile relay that began in Munich on September 17 and finished at the Brandenburg Gate. They were joined by Achilles teammates from chapters around the world and Team Achilles charity runners for the marathon opening weekend celebration and 5K. 

Their relay, named “Von Tor zu Tor” (From Gate to Gate), was supported by Guide Netzwerk Germany e.V., Sportclub Charlottenburg e.V. (SCC) and the BMW Group. The 11-day journey was “symbolic of the long road that inclusion had to and has to take to finally arrive in society,” said Achilles Germany chapter leaders Uta, Yvonne and Tobias.

“Far too few people with disabilities have the opportunity to do sport regularly and together with others. Because there is no support, because sports facilities are not accessible, because financial resources are lacking, because there is a fear of contact, Achilles Germany stands for community and solidarity in running. We live inclusion. Through the relay, we wanted to make visible what is possible and how great it is to make a difference,” they said.

Achilles Germany was recognized on stage, including a relay highlight video, at the opening ceremony of the BMW Berlin Marathon for their efforts in promoting disability inclusion in the sport of running. Fifty-three Achilles athletes and volunteer guides participated in the marathon on September 29, including from:

• Achilles Canada

• Achilles Chicago

• Achilles Connecticut

• Achilles Denver

• Achilles Germany

• Achilles Long Island

• Achilles Los Angeles

• Achilles Melbourne

• Achilles Mexico

• Achilles Mongolia

• Achilles New York City

• Achilles Norway

• Achilles Panama

• Achilles San Francisco

• Achilles United Kingdom

• Achilles Team USA virtual members who do not live near a chapter

• Achilles Freedom Team military veterans

It was the largest recorded marathon in the world with 54,280 finishers according to race organizers.

Matty Gaydos of Achilles NYC and Gail Bruno of Achilles Connecticut, were among the athletes who received exciting news race morning learning they qualified for the 2025 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America thanks to their 2024 TCS London Marathon finish times. Both athletes went on to set new PRs in Berlin. 

Achilles athletes were joined on the course by 78 Team Achilles charity entrants, who raised over $180,000 to support athletes with disabilities. Many charity entrants also doubled as volunteer guides for the race, including Danielle Cappadonna of Achilles NYC and Kailyn O'Donnell who guided an Achilles Chicago athlete. The top fundraiser was Achilles NYC volunteer guide, Amanda Grimm, who raised over $7,000. We are grateful for their dedication and continued support of Achilles’ mission. 

“I smiled the most,” said Erin Mondello of Achilles Long Island when asked what she thought of the experience. She was guided by two local Achilles Germany volunteer guides.

We congratulate all of our athletes on an amazing race weekend and look forward to an exciting fall marathon season.

Group photo of Achilles Germany at the end of the Relay.

Members of Achilles Mexico posing with their Berlin Marathon medals.

Team Achilles charity runner on the course with his arms stretched upward

Selfie of Achilles members at the Berlin Marathon

Team Achilles members posing with their medals

Achilles Freedom Team athlete on his handcycle at the Berlin Marathon

Team Achilles runner running with his arms outstretched on the course

Achilles athlete posing with two thumbs up next to his guide in Berlin

Team Achilles member posing with his medal