2023 Houston Marathon Recap: 76-Year-Old Athlete Pushes Herself to New Heights

Fourteen Achilles athletes, including from Charlotte, New York, and Washington D.C., competed in the 2023 Chevron Houston Marathon, the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and the We Are Houston 5K in Texas with Achilles Houston from January 14 to January 15.

This year’s races were the first in Houston race weekend history to welcome over 100 athletes with disabilities. Achilles athletes were honored to be part of this monumental moment for the local disability and adaptive sports community. 

When Betty Herrera, 76, who lives with low vision, first joined Achilles Houston, she expected to simply enjoy a weekly stroll in the park, never dreaming of taking on a major race. After a few months, Betty became inspired by her fellow Achilles athletes to participate in her first 5K.

Alongside her guide Michaela Cueto, Chapter Lead of Achilles Houston, Betty slowly but surely pushed to the finish line, past physical discomfort even when the pace car caught up to them to earn her very first race medal.

Video of Betty Herrera and Michaela Cueto crossing the finish line at the Houston Marathon

“It was amazing,” said Michaela. “She immediately turned her slow pace into a strong power walk. Watching her push herself like that, and seeing how determined she was to not let them stop us and to make it to the finish line was so inspiring.” 

Robert Hulett of Achilles Houston and U.S. Army veteran Gabi Cha, a new member of the Achilles Freedom Team, also raced with Achilles for the first time.

Congratulations to all who participated on a terrific race!

Learn more about how you can join, volunteer or donate to Achilles Houston.

Betty Herrera posing with Michaela Cueto before the race

Toai Nolan of the Achilles Freedom Team smiling holding his medal

Photo of a group huddle before the race

Achilles athlete Sagirah Ahmed Norris standing between her guides Brianna and Tara

Achilles Freedom Team member, Nic Beuke, wearing a Houston Half Marathon medal

Achilles Freedom Team member Gabi Cha surrounded by family members holding up a sign that reads “Go Gabi! You’re on fire!”