Achilles Athletes Set New Records at 2024 Chicago Marathon

Nearly 100 Achilles athletes, volunteer guides and charity runners set new records at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 13. Among them was Richard Whitehead MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), supporter of the Achilles Freedom Team and Paralympic gold medalist. Whitehead set a new world record with his 02:41:36 finish time, his 80th marathon.

For some athletes like Cedric King, Achilles Freedom Team and Board Member, the race meant a new qualifying time to achieve future finish line goals. With his 05:37:08 finish time, King secured his entry to the 2025 Tokyo Marathon,  which will complete his Abbott World Marathon Majors six star journey.

For other athletes like Mic Cameron and Colin Healey of Achilles Melbourne, the Windy City was another stop on their northeast run road trip and search for the best hotdogs. The pair will also complete the Marine Corps Marathon and the TCS New York City Marathon over the next couple of weeks.

The weekend began with a pre-race dinner that featured a surprise guest, Olympian and retired marathon champion, Meb Keflezighi. We thank Bank of America for making the Chicago Marathon a special experience for our team. Several employees volunteered throughout the race weekend from providing athlete assistance to and from the hotel in the early morning hours to creating cheer signs and loud celebrations at the finish line until the last Achilles athlete crossed. 

Thanks to the 40 Team Achilles charity runners who raised a combined total of over $94,000, Achilles International can help more athletes with disabilities reach their next start line, whether it’s a walk or roll in the park or a marathon podium.

Want to race next year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon? Apply now to fundraise for Team Achilles and earn guaranteed entry. 

Achilles members posing with custom signs

Richard Whitehead posing in front of a Chicago Marathon branded sign that reads “Set Your Record” with his race medal

Achilles Freedom Team athlete posing on his handcycle with Bank of America Volunteers and his custom sign

Cedric King posing with his guide

Achilles athletes running and cheering together

Achilles Freedom team athlete posing with her guide

Achilles members running and cheering together

Achilles member posing with his guide

Achilles members posing with Meb Keflezighi

Achilles members smiling together

Achilles athlete posing with their guide and custom sign

Achilles athlete posing with their guide and custom sign

Achilles athlete smiling with Meb Keflezighi

Team Achilles charity runner posing at the finish line

Team Achilles member smiling with his medal