More Than 100 Achilles Community Members Complete Chicago Marathon

Oct 12

Congratulations to all of our Achilles members who completed the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 9! We had 33 athletes with disabilities, 62 guides, and 28 Team Achilles charity runners who participated. Athletes from 12 Achilles chapters participated including:

Boston
Canada
Charlotte
Chicago
Kansas City
Mongolia - Altangerel Byambajav of Achilles Mongolia came in third place in the handcycle division!
New York City
Phoenix
Queens
St. Louis
Washington D.C.
Achilles Team U.S.A. (athletes who live in cities where a formal in-person chapter does not exist)

Achilles was also represented at the race by twelve United States military veterans as part of the Achilles Freedom Team.

Freedom Team member Carl poses with medal and sign that reads “Achilles Freedom Team Carl Army”

Freedom Team member Corey poses with medal and sign that reads “Achilles Freedom Team Corey Marines”

Freedom Team member Earl poses with medal and sign that reads “Achilles Freedom Team Earl Army”

Freedom Team member Heather poses with medal and sign that reads “Achilles Freedom Team Heather Air Force”

Freedom Team member James poses with medal and sign that reads “Achilles Freedom Team James Navy”

Freedom Team member Jeff poses with medal and sign that reads “Achilles Freedom Team Jeff Army”

Freedom Team member Jim poses with medal and sign that reads “Achilles Freedom Team Jim Army”

Freedom Team member Marc poses with medal and sign that reads “Achilles Freedom Team Marc Army”

Freedom Team member Matthew poses with medal and sign that reads “Achilles Freedom Team Matthew Navy”

Freedom Team member Richard poses with medal and sign that reads “Achilles Freedom Team Richard Army”

Freedom Team member Ryan poses with medal and sign that reads “Achilles Freedom Team Ryan Army”

2022 Chicago marathon medal on top of Achilles Freedom Team jersey

Achilles Freedom Team member holding up American Flag

Freedom Team member posing with medal

Freedom Team member posing with stuffed animal eagle while biting on medal

This year, HOKA athlete, Raj Pannu, participated in the Chicago marathon as a guide for Achilles athlete, Vandanpurev Batdelger, of the Mongolia chapter. Achilles is the official nonprofit partner of HOKA.

For first time marathoner and Team Achilles Charity runner, Hollie Jones, this marathon was all about empowering and encouraging others to step out of their comfort zones!

“Since I started running two years ago, I have gained so much confidence in myself as I’ve unlocked new skill levels and shown myself what I am really capable of,” says Hollie. “Every marathoner needs a ‘why,’ and my ‘why’ is being able to help empower others to put themselves out there and to experience the joy of running. I want them to learn how to unlock the tools that they need to change their lives. I am in awe of Achilles’ commitment to opening up access to sports and exercise for everyone, and I am so honored to have been able to represent the organization at my first ever marathon!”

All of the members of our community are so grateful for the continued support of our incredible sponsors including Bank of America, Cigna, and the GM Military Appreciation Program. We would also like to extend an extra special thank you to the Abbott World Marathon Majors and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon AWD Organizers.

We are so proud of and impressed by all of our athletes. We look forward to an exciting fall marathon season!

Want to race next year’s Chicago Marathon? Apply now to fundraise for Team Achilles and earn guaranteed entry. The application period for athletes with disabilities will open later this fall.