Achilles Freedom Team to Compete in 2021 Detroit Free Press Marathon on October 17 Thanks to Support from GM and Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers

Oct 12

19 Veterans to Run and Roll via Handcycle in the Race

Achilles International is pleased to announce that the Achilles Freedom Team will once again compete in the Detroit Free Press Marathon thanks to the continued generosity and support of GM and Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers.

From protecting and serving on the frontlines, to now racing across the start line, 19 veterans will have the opportunity to participate in various celebrations of marathon weekend. Among them is Albion, MI, native Marc Owens. A retired US Army Sergeant First Class (SFC) and member of the USA Golden Knights Parachute Team, Owens also served a volunteer tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Owens, who lost a portion of both his legs and had a severe traumatic brain injury after a 2012 parachute accident, will be taking on his first ever full marathon.

“There is an old military saying, ‘You win the war by winning the small battles first.’ My life changing injuries have taught me that you have to be willing to overcome anything that is placed in front of you and face it head on. You gain strength, courage, and confidence from every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face,” says Owens. “It means so much to be able to participate in the Achilles Freedom Team’s famous fall marathon tour. Detroit weekend has become such an annual bonding experience thanks to the support and warm welcome each year of Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers and I am so thrilled to experience it for the first time.”

The Achilles Freedom Team will be treated to a special team dinner, travel via GM shuttles, an experience at Comerica Park and a warm breakfast post-marathon.

“The Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers are thrilled to support the Achilles Freedom Team athletes and their families once again at the Detroit Marathon. After a year of not being able to compete, these athletes traveled across the country to our community, and we are honored to support them. We hope our efforts result in an experience that showcases the spirit of what the people of Detroit are all about,” says John Fox, Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers President.

GM and the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers have been supporting the Achilles Freedom Team since 2010.

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About Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers (MDCD)

The Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Local Marketing Association (LMA) is comprised of 38 Chevrolet dealerships in Southeastern Michigan. It is the MDCD mission to take an active role in local communities and to support the Metro Detroit area by featuring local events, venues, bands, charities and people in its marketing campaigns and grassroots efforts. For a complete listing of the 38 Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers and other information please visit chevydetroit.com.

About GM’s Military Support

For more than 100 years, GM has provided ongoing support to members of the U.S. military and their families. Through the support of several organizations – including the Achilles Freedom Team and Building for America’s Bravest – GM’s commitment to U.S. military veterans remains strong. To learn more, visit GMMilitaryDiscount.com.