This year\u2019s Berlin Half Marathon blurred the lines between performance and personal expression. Among the 42,000 runners moving through the capital was Christian Bracht (Publisher & CEO of SLEEK), running in a full Zalando look that proved athletic gear today is as much about aesthetics as it is about function. A passionate runner and regular member of a Berlin running club, he completed the half marathon not only this year but also in 2024, showing that style and endurance can go hand in hand.<\/p>\n
Zalando, steadily expanding its sports offering, used the half marathon as a stage to highlight how much the culture of running has evolved. It\u2019s no longer just about distance, it\u2019s about presence, individuality, and showing up in style.<\/p>\n
To get deeper into the intersection of product, performance, and motivation, we sat down with Matthew Glynn, Head of Strategy Sports & GTM at Zalando, for a quick Q&A.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"images","gallery":[{"ID":120566,"id":120566,"title":"Bildschirmfoto 2025-04-06 um 15.50.08","filename":"Bildschirmfoto-2025-04-06-um-15.50.08.jpg","filesize":464992,"url":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Bildschirmfoto-2025-04-06-um-15.50.08.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/de\/article\/berlin-half-marathon-with-zalando\/bildschirmfoto-2025-04-06-um-15-50-08\/","alt":"","author":"1","description":"","caption":"","name":"bildschirmfoto-2025-04-06-um-15-50-08","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":120476,"date":"2025-04-11 16:43:56","modified":"2025-04-11 16:43:56","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":1920,"height":1171,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Bildschirmfoto-2025-04-06-um-15.50.08.jpg","thumbnail-width":128,"thumbnail-height":78,"medium":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Bildschirmfoto-2025-04-06-um-15.50.08.jpg","medium-width":1920,"medium-height":1171,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Bildschirmfoto-2025-04-06-um-15.50.08.jpg","medium_large-width":1920,"medium_large-height":1171,"large":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Bildschirmfoto-2025-04-06-um-15.50.08.jpg","large-width":1920,"large-height":1171,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Bildschirmfoto-2025-04-06-um-15.50.08-1536x937.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":937,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Bildschirmfoto-2025-04-06-um-15.50.08.jpg","2048x2048-width":1920,"2048x2048-height":1171,"trp-custom-language-flag":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Bildschirmfoto-2025-04-06-um-15.50.08.jpg","trp-custom-language-flag-width":18,"trp-custom-language-flag-height":12,"wpvr_mobile":"https:\/\/www.sleek-mag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Bildschirmfoto-2025-04-06-um-15.50.08.jpg","wpvr_mobile-width":1920,"wpvr_mobile-height":1171}}],"settings":{"fit_width":"6","caption":"Image Courtesy of Berliner Halbmarathon."}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_area","text_area":"
SLEEK: What are your personal essentials when it comes to running gear?<\/p>\n
Matthew Glynn:<\/b> It all starts and ends with a good pair of running shoes. For longer runs, I prefer something with more stability and cushioning. When I\u2019m working on speed, I go for a lighter shoe. I also like super-lightweight shorts with a zip pocket for my essentials and always wear a fitness watch to keep an eye on performance.<\/p>\n
S: How do you choose the right running shoe?<\/p>\n
MG: It really depends on what you’re using them for. Are you planning long-distance runs or short intervals? Are you running on pavement or in nature? A good tip is to go half a size up, feet tend to swell during longer runs.<\/p>\n
S: How can the right gear help improve performance?<\/p>\n
MG: Lightweight shoes help you focus on forward momentum, while models with rocker-style cushioning give you that energy return to keep going. It\u2019s about finding what works with your rhythm.<\/p>\n
S: Which brands are runners currently loving on Zalando?<\/p>\n
MG: HOKA, On, and ASICS are really popular. They all bring decades of research into their footwear. We\u2019ve made a conscious effort to build an assortment that blends innovation with design. Sport is such a personal expression for people, and we want our offering to reflect that.<\/p>\n
S: What\u2019s the difference between trail running and track running in terms of gear?<\/p>\n
MG: Trail running is about experience and terrain, you need grip, stability, sometimes waterproof materials. It\u2019s unpredictable and raw. Track running is about control and pace. On a flat, consistent surface, the lightest shoes you own will make all the difference.<\/p>\n
S: How do you stay motivated to run? And do you prefer running solo or in groups?<\/p>\n
MG: Goals help. Whether it\u2019s a marathon or a 5k PB, it gives your training structure. I like to alternate, \u00a0solo runs for speed and focus, group runs for the longer, slower ones. Talking through kilometers makes them fly by.<\/p>\n
S: If you had to recommend one shoe for daily running, what would it be?<\/p>\n
MG: The HOKA Clifton. It\u2019s super cushioned, muscle-friendly, and has a wider fit that just works for everyday use \u2014 plus, it looks great.<\/p>\n
S: What do you love most about running? And what do you dread?<\/p>\n
MG: The mental clarity. No matter how stressful a day has been, a short run changes everything. What I dread? Running in over 25\u00b0C. Especially when training for a marathon. It\u2019s brutal.<\/p>\n
S: One tip for new runners?<\/p>\n
MG: Run slower than you think you should.<\/p>\n
S: Your go-to summer running outfit?<\/p>\n
MG: I\u2019m not a tank top person, but in summer, airflow wins. Lightweight shoes, low-cut socks, a cap and sunglasses \u2014 protection is everything.<\/p>\n
S: How does gear impact motivation?<\/p>\n
MG: Buying a new kit is one of the most common triggers to start running again. My advice? Get a few runs in first, then buy the outfit. That way, you get a second wave of motivation.<\/p>\n
S: Why do you think run clubs are having such a moment right now?<\/p>\n
MG: Running has become more than just exercise. It\u2019s a social space, a community. With health and wellness culture growing, people want to connect and look good doing it. The post-run brunch, the curated race-day outfit… it\u2019s a lifestyle now. Think of the marathon as the new runway.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"images","gallery":false,"settings":{"fit_width":"4","caption":""}}]},"yoast_head":"\n