“Found myself crying” are some words you probably wouldn’t expect from someone used to the spotlight. But that’s exactly how the journey took a turn for Ilona Maher’s Dancing With the Stars partner. From dazzling footwork under studio lights to now lacing up for a completely different kind of race, the shift has been nothing short of emotional. As the ballroom curtains closed, a new chapter began—one that’s already stirring hearts.

After all, it’s wild how life shifts when someone makes a promise to themselves. One day, you’re chasing perfect scores under glittering lights, and the next, you’re chasing something far more personal. It’s not always about applause—it’s about growth, grit, and goals. And sometimes, that journey starts quietly, with a single vow to push beyond the familiar spotlight. The same happened with Rugby star Ilona Maher’s DWTS partner, Alan Bersten. But what exactly is he up to?

Well, DWTS fame Bersten recently ran a half-marathon. Yes, it might be shocking, but he has done it. On May 17, 2025, he crossed the finish line of his first-ever half marathon at the RBC Brooklyn Half. The timings to finish? Though it was hard for a first-timer to finish 13.1 miles, Bersten managed to finish it in 1:38:43. After making such an achievement, Bersten took to Instagram and shared the news with his fans.

Is this all about a happy moment? Well, not exactly. DWTS star and Rugby player Ilona Maher’s DWTS partner has penned down his emotions. Still riding high from his big day, Alan Bersten took to social media to share a raw, heartfelt moment: “I got emotional around mile 9 and found myself crying in the middle of the run.” Why? Because this wasn’t just a race—it was something deeply personal.

“I think trying something hard just for me and also putting myself in a position where I pushed myself to this extreme in a foreign environment is new to me,” he explained. For Alan, it wasn’t about proving anything to the world—it was about breaking free from the limits others have placed on him. “My whole life, people have always put me in a box, told me what I can and can’t do. And people have told me, ‘I’m just a dancer,’” he wrote.

But that narrative? He’s rewriting it. Loud and clear. “I wanted to show everyone what I already know is true. That dancers are athletes too, and you truly can do anything you put your mind to!” It’s not just about the miles—it’s about the mindset. And for Alan, this run was the start of something more than just a finish line. But how did his journey go from a great dancer to a half-marathoner?

Alan Bersten’s journey from the dance floor with Ilona Maher to the track

Alan Bersten’s journey from the polished floors of Dancing with the Stars to the rugged terrain of marathon running is a testament to growth and self-discovery. After an intense DWTS Season 33, where he and Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher finished as runners-up, Bersten set his sights on a new challenge: the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. Despite the grueling schedule, Bersten remained energized and excited for future projects.

He praised Robert Irwin, the first celebrity contestant for Season 34 of DWTS, calling him a “nice guy” and predicting he’ll do “amazing” on the show, though he expressed disappointment at being unable to be Irwin’s partner. Bersten’s transition from dance to distance running wasn’t just a physical shift but a deeply emotional one.

As his Instagram post reflects, he found himself crying in the middle of the marathon, but he pushed himself to such extremes in an unfamiliar environment. In the same way, Bersten has always worked through his dance moves and even beyond that. How? Even Bersten’s commitment to personal growth is also evident in his lifestyle changes.

As per US Weekly, he adopted the carnivore diet, leading to a 20-pound weight loss in just five weeks. He also incorporated Pilates into his daily routine, crediting it as his “secret” weapon for staying in shape. Beyond his physical pursuits, Bersten’s partnership with Ilona Maher on DWTS had a profound impact. Ilona Maher herself expressed that dancing with Bersten made her feel “very feminine,” a significant shift from her identity as a rugby player.

Bersten’s guidance helped her embrace this new facet of herself, highlighting the transformative power of their collaboration. As Bersten continues to challenge himself both physically and emotionally, his journey serves as an inspiration to many. Whether on the dance floor or the marathon track, he exemplifies the power of resilience, self-belief, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone.