Athletics persist in Nettetal: "Running events continue in Nettetal"
51-Year-Old German Runner Aims for Tokyo Marathon
Axel Zachau, a 51-year-old man from Nettetaler, has an ambitious goal - to participate in the Tokyo Marathon. However, his journey to this point has been fraught with challenges.
Zachau, a member of Athletics Waldniel, a club known for its distinctive pink and black shirts, started running approximately 12 years ago. Before this, he struggled with obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle that included smoking and poor eating habits.
His transformation began when he discovered intermittent fasting, which helped him significantly reduce his weight. Inspired, he chose running as it could be done anywhere, anytime, without depending on others.
Zachau ran his first marathon in Berlin a year after starting to run. Since then, he has participated in an impressive 252 marathons and ultramarathons, including events in Germany, Hawaii, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey. Every Sunday, he runs with Athletics Waldniel.
Despite his impressive track record, Zachau faces difficulty in obtaining a starting number for the Tokyo Marathon. He wears the Athletics Waldniel distinctive pink and black shirt at each marathon he participates in, a symbol of his dedication to the sport.
Zachau created a training plan to run 45 minutes at a stretch in ten weeks and completed it. His desired goal is to participate in the Tokyo Marathon, a dream he hopes to realise in the future.
Despite the setbacks, Zachau's spirit remains undeterred. He continues to run, inspiring others with his determination and resilience. His story is a testament to the power of determination and the transformative effects of a healthy lifestyle.
Despite his frequent participation in marathons and ultramarathons across multiple countries, Zachau encounters difficulties in securing a starting number for the Tokyo Marathon, a significant sports event. Determined to achieve his goal of running in the Tokyo Marathon, Zachau continues to dedicate himself to the discipline of sports, drawing inspiration from his successful transformation from a sedentary lifestyle to an avid runner.
