New York, 4:30 am Excitement is high in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan. A group of international wheelchair runners prepare to descend on Staten Island, the starting point of the New York City Marathon. These include Eltmann’s Dustin Stallberg in Lower Franconia.
The only German racing wheelchair user in the New York Marathon
Dustin Stallberg was born in Eltmann in the Hassberge district. He was born with paraplegia and was dependent on a wheelchair from an early age. But fate has never discouraged him. On the contrary: Dustin initially focused on wheelchair sports.
Ten years ago the family emigrated to Texas with their American father. It was there that he discovered his love of racing and has already completed several marathons in the past five years. After Hawaii, Boston and Arizona, he has finally arrived in New York. The conditions of participation are very strict. Dustin is even more pleased to be the only German racing wheelchair user allowed to start.
The New York Marathon is considered the most demanding in the world
His racing wheelchair is two meters long. To advance, Dustin must hit the tire with a 3D printed rubber glove. The movements must be very focused and also so that the chair continues to roll and Dustin does not tip over at high speed. This is a huge undertaking. If his hand slips or the glove is torn, serious accidents can occur.
50,000 athletes want to win the marathon. The 42-kilometer route crosses all five parts of the city, over five bridges, uphill and downhill. “Beginners,” says Deborah McFadden of the Wheelchair Racing Committee, “often don’t make it to the finish line, but stop somewhere along the way.”
The family is always by Dustin’s side
Dustin’s mother Bianca and her three siblings traveled to New York to support him. Racing wheelchair users are traveling at up to 38 kilometers per hour. The fact that Dustin turns too sharply, slips, loses his balance or the tire explodes resonates with Mama Bianca in every race. She feels like she is running a marathon herself. “I’m always exhausted,” says the mother of four, “emotionally and physically.”
“Giving up is not an option”
Dustin Stallberg made his way and reached the finish line after an hour and 49 minutes. Exhausted but happy, he hugs his family. “I never gave up,” says the 20-year-old. “I’ve always thought I have to do it now. I want to do it now. And if I want, then I’ll just do it.”
