2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Race Weekend Recap: Achilles’ Athletes Win Their Divisions

Jan 12

Achilles Freedom Team veterans and chapter members competed in the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend events in Orlando, Florida on January 4 through 8. Several Achilles athletes placed in the top of their divisions:

Jessica Hayon, Achilles NYC, first in the women’s handcycle division of the full marathon, Dopey Challenge
Corey Peterson, Achilles Freedom Team, second in the women’s racing wheelchair division of the half marathon and full marathon, Dopey Challenge
Michael Vasquez, Achilles Freedom Team, third in the men’s handcycle division of the half marathon

Twenty-seven Achilles athletes including four runners, 20 handcyclists, and three racing wheelchair users crushed the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. Four athletes took their participation to the next level conquering the Dopey Challenge: the 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full marathon all in the same weekend. Kieron Ragoonath, 17, of Team Achilles Kids, finished the Disney Half Marathon at 1:43:50, a new personal record.

We thank Cigna, the presenting sponsor of the Achilles Freedom Team, and General Motors for making the weekend special for our community. Retired U.S. Army Sergeant Stefan LeRoy, who lost both legs serving in Afghanistan, ran one of the races with Cigna CEO David Cordani as his guide. To honor the veterans for their service and dedication to the country, Cigna treated Achilles members to a pre-race adventure in Hollywood Studios with VIP access to the Frozen show and Toy Story rides. Cigna also arranged a special surprise guest at the Friday night dinner: New York Giants Super Bowl Champion and Good Morning America host, Michael Strahan, who encouraged Achilles athletes before the half marathon. He shared that his father served in the Army and how honored he was to wish the Achilles Freedom Team luck.

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Instagram reel of Achilles members interacting with Michael Strahan at a private event hosted by Cigna.

General Motors also treated Achilles athletes and families to a private dinner, front row seating and dessert at the Epcot Harmonious firework show and special access to the General Motors Test Track ride.

We are proud of the hard work and dedication our athletes put into their first race of the New Year and look forward to an exciting race season.