CARY, N.C. (BVM) — Standing at 6-foot-9, Brandon Wahlmann is known not only for his commanding physical stature and athletic accomplishments, but also for his sizable generosity in fundraising and volunteering for families with children on the autism spectrum. His nickname, “Tank,” originating from his German middle name, Tankred, evolved appropriately as he grew taller and taller.

He played NCAA Division I college basketball on scholarship at Rider University, where he majored in finance. Wahlmann explains that running at the time was a necessary evil, and a part of training. In fact, at times, it was even a punishment.

“If a teammate was late to class or there was another infraction, out on the track they went,” Wahlmann said.

But the irony is now evident, as Wahlmann has run 12 marathons including: New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, the Marine Corps in Washington, D.C., and Disney. He also completed an Ironman in 2019.

It was his wife, Kate Wahlmann, who inspired him to begin running. Kate ran her 25th marathon this past year and has participated five times in the Boston Marathon — the pinnacle for an amateur runner and the most challenging race to qualify for in the world. Brandon’s first marathon was in Philadelphia, where he ran with a woman’s bib named “Robin.”

“My wife and her friend were both signed up to run, but Robin was hurt one month before the race,” Brandon said with a laugh. “I was just getting into running then, and I figured I’d be there to support my wife and give it a shot.”

He has gone on to run the Chicago Marathon, which he describes as similar to New York, but a track that is nice and flat.

“You learn to really appreciate how flat it is when you are running for 26.2 miles,” Brandon said. “People travel all over the country to perform their personal best there.”

He also describes the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., as well-organized.

“At one stretch on both sides of the street it is lined with American flags to honor fallen soldiers and men and women in the service,” Brandon said. “It is amazing and something you don’t get to see or be a part of very often.”

Last year, Brandon took it to the next level by completing the Ironman in Cambridge, Md. A total of 17 hours, the race started at 7 a.m. and required completion by midnight to be a finisher. It began with an over two-mile swim in open water, followed by a 112-mile bike ride and concluded with a full marathon run of 26.2 miles.

“The reason I was doing it was to test and really push myself because I am not a natural runner,” Brandon said. “By setting a goal, although I might be nervous, I become disciplined and focused, and it helps me put the work in and stay on track.”

At the start of his training for the Ironman, Brandon could not swim more than the length of a pool.

“After all the training, I felt relatively confident, but as I was getting into the water, I saw jellyfish as far as I could see,” Brandon said. “This added to the anxiety of swimming in open water, as now I was battling jellyfish. I got through it because my adrenaline was pumping, but I ended up with stings all over my neck and arms.”

Although many of the Ironman triathletes require the full 17 hours for completion, Brandon finished the race in just 12 hours.

The marathon nearest and dearest to Brandon and his wife is the New York City Marathon. At around 50,000 runners and one million spectators, it is one of the largest marathons in the country. Brandon notes that there is always a great crowd and atmosphere at the race, but it is also a wonderful opportunity to see the city, as you go through all five of the boroughs.

However, the biggest motivator in participating in the race is his son, Mattie, who is on the autism spectrum. Mattie is a triplet along with brother Henry and sister Izzy.

Since a lot of races are in high demand to get in, their extensive fundraising for Autism Speaks provides Brandon and Kate with an option to qualify.

It has been so rewarding for Brandon to find his own marathon merging with an opportunity to support his son’s journey. Together, Kate and Brandon have raised over $20,000 for Autism Speaks.

When asked what advice he would give aspiring marathon runners, Brandon explained:

“Everyone starts somewhere. Don’t feel like you have to have the right shoes or the right bike, or you have to be a natural runner. Just go out and do it, and each day go a little further or a little faster. Challenge yourself to meet that accomplishment.”