Achilles Flagship Feature: 2023 Highlights
Achilles chapters in five major cities across the United States grew tremendously in 2023. See highlights below:
Every athlete who took part in one of 13 official races, finished. William Atwood, 19, an athlete who lives with autism, finished his first ever half marathon in an impressive 1:27.
Achilles Boston became an official charity partner of the Boston Athletic Association and the Bank of America Boston Marathon. Continuing this partnership, Achilles will have three more incredible charity entrants representing Team Achilles on the iconic course this upcoming April, including one of our volunteer guides Emily Lesher.
The chapter is collaborating with Adaptive Sports New England to offer more running opportunities for kids with physical and visual challenges. Adaptive Sports New England and Achilles Boston also partner to offer a track meet for athletes of all abilities.
Achilles Boston has built an amazing sense of community from bowling and pizza parties to volunteer appreciation dinners. "Before Achilles, I didn't really have a large group of friends. Although I met some really nice people at school, connecting with them was hard," says Tina Zhu Xi Caruso. "Achilles gave me a social group I could hang out with during and after practice."
Group shot of members of Achilles Boston.
Achilles Chicago partnered with various local organizations and universities, including DePaul University and the University of Chicago, who have provided indoor practice spaces in the colder months. Many of their students have also joined as volunteer guides.
The chapter partnered with the Chicago Parks Foundation on its first annual Run for the Parks 5K. Through this partnership, the chapter helped them identify an accessible athlete with a disability friendly course, assisted with classifications and ensured their race was inclusive. This was the first race ever for 66-year-old Achilles Chicago member, Cindy, an athlete with low vision.
Their membership grew to 26 new athletes and 184 volunteers in 2023, which allowed them to provide access to the sport of running to more athletes in the Chicago area than ever before. “I not only found a running community where I felt like I belonged, but I made amazing friendships and memories as well,” says Jill, an Achilles Chicago athlete. “I also found an organization that believed in me enough to help to turn my dreams into goals, and my goals into accomplishments.”
Group shot of members of Achilles Chicago.
When Eliseo Michael Pedrozo first joined Achilles Houston in July, he was using his walker. Now, he is an avid handcyclist who has truly pushed himself. He completed his first races in January at the We Are Houston 5K and the Aramco Half Marathon.
Thanks to their strong partnership with Lighthouse of Houston, the chapter is able to offer tandem bike rides for athletes who are blind or low vision.
Achilles Houston went from hosting a total of 10 people at every workout, to averaging more than 30 by the end of 2023. “I’m thankful to be on the Achilles team and knowing that their staff and resources are being used, because they’ve made my dreams their own,” says Achilles Houston athlete, Sagirah. “My goal has always been to keep moving forward and help others, and Achilles gives me the opportunity to do that on a global level!”
Group photo of members of Achilles Houston.
More than 1,400 reservations for adaptive cycling equipment Sponsored by Citi Bike® Lyft were made ensuring more New Yorkers with disabilities across the city had access.
Achilles NYC hosted more than 500 members of the community at TCS New York City Marathon weekend including a shakeout run and pre-race dinner.
The signature Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M presented by TD Bank race in Central Park had a record breaking 9,000 registrants in 2023. The chapter was thrilled to welcome so many members from across the globe to this event on their home turf and celebrate disability inclusion together.
Fifty-five Achilles athletes attended the TriAchilles Spring Training Camp that was held in May. Athletes and guides spent their time running, swimming and biking together to train for upcoming triathlons and other multisport events.
Group photo of Achilles NYC members in the pool together at the 2023 TriAchilles Spring Training Camp.
Achilles DC won a grant to run an adaptive cycling program sponsored by the District Department of Transportation and Lyft. The chapter is excited to to help more adaptive athletes reach their athletic goals.
The D.C. Chapter welcomed athletes from across the country to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon weekend, including with a shakeout run.
“What makes Achilles unique is the camaraderie and going to a place where you know people are going to be understanding,” says Tim Utzig, a blind athlete who joined the chapter last year. “A lot of the experience in the disability world is having to deal with the hurdles and challenges of others having to adapt to you. At Achilles, everyone is ready to go and you feel safe. It’s an environment where you can be active and not have to worry for once about making adjustments.” He completed his first ever 5K and half marathon. Tim moved to London to get his masters degree in journalism and podcasting. He is now an active member in the London Chapter and even created a podcast episode discussing his experience with Achilles.
Group shot of Achilles members at the 2023 Shake Out run hosted by Achilles DC.
