Meet the Marathoner: Blind Achilles Runner to Complete All Six Abbott World Marathon Majors This April in London

Apr 13

Prior to joining Achilles NYC back in 2014, New York native Anthony Butler had never participated in any major races or even considered himself an athlete. Today, he is on track to compete in all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors by the end of April 2023.

With five of the six majors already under his belt, Anthony is training for the TCS London Marathon later this April which, upon completion, will earn him his sixth and final star.

After losing his eyesight in 2008 from a gunshot wound to the head, Anthony searched for a community of people that he could relate to, and where he felt like he belonged.

“I knew I needed to find something to help me navigate this new identity,” says Anthony, who currently lives and trains in North Carolina. “I wanted to find new spaces to occupy and to decide what types of things that I wanted to fill my life with. I wanted to be around people who had similar interests as me, not just the same people I had spent my whole life around just because it was comfortable. I am grateful to have found Achilles and to have made so many friendships and connections along the way.”

Read a short Q&A below about Anthony’s journey with Achilles.

What inspired you to take on all six Abbott World Marathon Majors?

“I never thought I would even want to do all six majors, but I have always wanted to travel! The first marathon I got into was the New York City Marathon, which was so exciting for me. After that, I wasn’t super interested in any of the other majors right away. I was born and raised in New York, so Boston especially didn’t interest me at the time. Looking back, I think the whole process and just knowing how hard it is to get into that race intimidated me a little bit.

I traveled to Canada to run the Rock and Roll Montreal Half Marathon, and that’s when I realized that running races could be a great way for me to travel while doing something I enjoy. Now I have made friends all over the world from traveling to different races. Hearing about all the incredible things they do and knowing that they are all cheering me on and supporting me is something that really helped motivate me to take on all six majors. It’s really amazing to have opportunities like this and I want to be sure to take advantage of them all.”

Do you have any pre-race or post-race rituals that help you stay focused?

“The night before every race, I go to Starbucks and get myself a venti iced coffee with no ice and a lemon loaf. That way, I can put them in the fridge overnight and wake up in the morning to a nice breakfast. It always helps me start race day off on a good note. I always wake up early on race days to give myself plenty of time to relax and unwind before it’s time to get going. I also like to listen to music, all different types as long as it’s good!

After the race, I have a bad habit of telling myself ‘I’m never doing this again!’ Actually, that mindset usually starts to set in right around mile 15. But once it’s all over and I start to recover, I start thinking about when I can sign up for the next race.”

What advice or message do you have for other athletes living with a disability?

“I’m not going to lie, the process of getting started can be really intimidating. I would like to remind them that it’s not always about getting the best time or being the fastest, it’s about going out there and having fun because it’s something you want to do for yourself. My motto is ‘I might not make the best time, but I’m going to have the best time.’ Just know that you might have some bad days, but that’s not what really matters. What matters is having people in your life who support you and want to help you reach your goals. I’m grateful to Achilles for giving me that.

I would also encourage them to take advantage of their resources. If you have an opportunity to try something new that you might like, go for it! It doesn’t matter how well you do it, as long as you give it a try, give it your best and get it done.”

Want to get involved with Achilles? Learn more about joining as an athlete with a disability here or as a volunteer guide here. Find a chapter near you.