2023 Achilles Relay

In celebration of our 40th anniversary, we were proud to host the 2023 Achilles Relay, a 500-mile run, walk and wheeling journey from Boston, MA to Washington D.C.

Up to 1 in 4 (26 percent) adults in the United States live with a disability. Nearly half of those living with a disability get no aerobic physical activity. Research also shows that people with disabilities are more likely to report feelings of loneliness and social isolation. The majority of our members say that before they joined Achilles, they limited their physical activity because they did not have access to a supportive group to socialize or train with. Achilles is going on the road to welcome people with and without disabilities to celebrate the athlete within and show how we can overcome obstacles together.

The relay was a celebration of inclusion, perseverance, and the transformative power of the sport of running. It will connect six Achilles chapters (Boston, Connecticut, NYC, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.) and the military veterans of the Achilles Freedom Team. Learn about the 2021 Resilience Relay here, including a video recap.

Break down barriers to the start line for the 26% of Americans living with a disability and help us raise over $10,000 before our athletes reach Washington D.C.

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Route Highlights

Monday, May 15: TD Garden, Boston, MA

Tuesday, May 16: Framingham, MA to Hartford, CT

Wednesday, May 17: Northern Connecticut

Thursday, May 18: Cigna headquarters in Bloomfield, CT

Friday, May 19: Central Park, NY and the George Washington Bridge, NJ

Saturday, May 20: Newark, NJ to Burlington, NJ

Sunday, May 21: Philadelphia, PA

Monday, May 22: Newtown Square, PA to Baltimore, MD

Tuesday, May 23: Finish on the National Mall, Washington D.C.

The Athletes

Kassandra Hernandez, Chester, PA

Kassandra, who lives with low vision, has been with Achilles Philadelphia since 2017. She has always been super active and has been participating in sports since she was very young. “The camaraderie is what really makes the Relay so special. The whole event is a team effort, and cheering each other on along the way is one of the best parts. There’s nothing like being there to see your fellow athletes cross the finish line!”
Ken Higgins, Dacula, GA

Ken is a United States Army veteran who joined the Achilles Freedom Team in 2017. He lives with a spinal cord injury as well as a traumatic brain injury and has been racing since 1999. “I can not wait for the Achilles Relay and to have the opportunity to spread the word about Achilles and to help other people with disabilities take advantage of all the great resources that Achilles can offer them.”
Jonathan Aguilar, Clifton, NJ

Jonathan is a visually impaired athlete who has been with Achilles New Jersey since 2021. He joined after the COVID-19 pandemic, and found a community of supportive and encouraging friends. “The main idea behind a relay is to work as a team to reach a goal. Everyone does their part to move the baton forward and get the job done. It’s going to be great to work together to help raise awareness about Achilles.”
Ryan Long, Richmond, VA

Ryan is a combat wounded veteran of the United States Army. He never expected to participate in any major marathons or races until he joined the Achilles Freedom Team back in 2012. “Achilles has pushed me to be my best ever since I joined. Achilles showed me that life wasn’t over just because I got injured. They showed me that I can do anything I want. I might have to change the way I do it, but it can always be done.”