Summary

ASF Volunteer Jay Lehman's Berlin Marathon Q&A

Two runners, Jay Lehman and Natalie Meier, will be representing and raising money for the Adaptive Sports Foundation by participating in the 2026 BMW Berlin Marathon on Sunday, September 27. We caught up with Jay to get to know him a little better and learn what inspires him to take part in this incredible journey. Please consider donating to Jay’s fundraising page by clicking here.

ASF: Running a marathon is no easy feat. What inspires you to participate in the BMW Berlin Marathon?

JL: I always knew in the back of my mind I wanted to run in ONE marathon. I finally started training for my first marathon 10 years ago and I was hooked. Now this will be my be my eighth! Eventually I would love to get all six Abbott World Marathon Majors under my belt, and Berlin will be my third.

ASF: What has been the most challenging part of your marathon training?

JL: Staying committed to the “plan,” which sometimes includes running over 40 miles a week. Also, hitting my fundraising goal. It’s hard to ask for donations – even for a great cause like ASF.

ASF: How do you stay motivated on those days when training feels like a slog?

JL: I have a great group of running friends who keep me motivated as well as being a member of the Essex Running Club, The Knight Runners, and my local running store, Fleet Feet Montclair. I also remind myself of how fortunate I am to be able to run and help others through running.

ASF: What do you listen to while you run? Are you a podcast or a playlist person?

JL: Hopefully my friends talking about life, as we chat and run together. -When I am running solo, I listen to The Grateful Dead or the sounds of nature.

ASF: If your marathon training was a movie, what would the title be?

JL: “Blood, Sweat, and Tears”

ASF: If you could run anywhere in the world, where would it be?

JL: Eventually Tokyo, London and Boston, as those are the three remaining world major marathons I need. But when training, anyplace that’s flat and has lots of trees.

ASF: What is your go-to post-race meal?

JL: A Shake Shake cheeseburger and pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. But in Berlin, it will probably be some combo of  a pretzel and bratwurst! (or probably some combo of a pretzel and bratwurst in Berlin)

ASF: What are you looking forward to the most on race day?

JL: I’m looking forward to running for the ASF and having my wife cheer for me!

ASF: This is your first visit to Berlin. What are you looking forward to doing or seeing while in the city?

JL: This will be my first international marathon. The think I’m looking forward to the most is running through the Brandenburg Gate, which is at mile 25 I believe, right before the end of the marathon. 

ASF: What does running for the Adaptive Sports Foundation mean to you, personally?

JL: I have been a ski instructor at the ASF for four years, and some of my favorite times in Windham have come while I was teaching ASF students. I have run two previous marathons to benefit the Prader Willy Research Foundation (PWRF), and in particular, for my friend and neighbor Brandon, who has Prader Wily Syndrome. Brandon and his family have come to ski at the ASF for several winters in a row and has been a very happy student during his time on the mountain. I look at this marathon as my chance to benefit both my friend, Brandon, and the ASF. 

Good Luck Jay, and thank you for choosing to run with Team ASF int the 2026 BMW Berlin Marathon!