Nearly 7,000 Racers Celebrate Disability Inclusion at Largest Achilles Hope & Possibility®

The 2023 Achilles Hope & Possibility® 4M presented by TD Bank held on June 25 in Central Park welcomed nearly 7,000 athletes with our partner New York Road Runners (NYRR). The race is one of the largest of its kind in the country that shines a spotlight on disability inclusion, welcoming athletes with and without disabilities to compete.

In addition to once again including a finisher medal featuring adaptive athletes and braille for the words “Hope & Possibility,” the race featured braille stickers on runner bibs, a first for a New York City event. The official race singlet also integrated braille dots for the word, “Go.” Top finishers with disabilities were celebrated during the post-race award ceremony.

“Being in New York City with all of these athletes is amazing! It’s so exciting that we can all come together at Hope & Possibility and run on one united front,” said Karen Byrne, a longtime athlete of Achilles New Jersey.

Several celebrities and government officials showed their support for the cause on race day. Jasmine Ray, Director, New York City Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness and Recreation and  former New York Governor David Paterson, Achilles Board Co-Chair cheered on the athletes. Comedian, actor and television host Jon Stewart continued his annual tradition of participating with the military veterans of the Achilles Freedom Team. Achilles NYC Metro Director Francesco Magisano was guided by Tiki Barber, host and New York Giants legend. The post race finish festival at the Naumburg Bandshell was rocking thanks to music by 15-year-old DJ Sophia Rocks.

Achilles Founder Dick Traum raced in his handcycle and was celebrated during the start line ceremony.

“Achilles International started as a track club 40 years ago with a small but mighty group of runners at Engineer’s Gate. We started as a club and sparked a global movement. Today, Achilles has grown to 62 chapters in parks around the world transforming the lives of youth, adults and veterans with disabilities. We all believe in the power of a run and together we remind each other to reach for new possibilities,” said Emily Glasser, President and CEO.

Achilles members from chapters around the country and the world joined Achilles NYC this year at the race including Boston, Colombia, Connecticut, Kansas City, Long Island, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

For those who could not join in person, the Hope & Possibility spirit and energy was featured in themed workouts from Mexico to Sydney and virtual miles by athletes who do not live near an official chapter known as Team Achilles USA.

Achilles athlete holding a sing that reads, "He (my husband/guide) gives me hope" with an arrow pointing to her guide next to her, who is holding a sign that reads "she makes me see anything is possible" with an arrow pointing back at her.

Members of Achilles Mexico running together at their Hope and Possibility workout

Group photo of Achilles Sydney members posing in front of a giant feather flag that says “Achilles”

Team Achilles USA member on a walk with her guide dog

Group photos of members of Achilles Norway in front of an Achilles Norway branded banner

Achilles Houston members posing together with their medals after their Hope and Possibility workout

Members of Achilles Houston wearing their Hope and Possibility medals and holding up an Achilles branded sign that reads “victory over challenges is possible”

Members of Achilles Boston at their Hope and Possibility workout holding their Achilles branded fill in the blank signs.

The race week began with a panel with NYRR on the basics of becoming a guide runner featuring both the athlete and volunteer perspective. View a recap here. Tune into media coverage around the race, including a segment on Spectrum News NY1.

We thank our presenting sponsor TD Bank for their dedication to advancing our mission.

Photo of athletes crossing the start line of the Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M

Team Achilles Kids member cheering on the Hope and Possibility race course in between his two guides

Francesco Magisano and Tiki Barber delivering their opening remarks at the starting ceremony

Photo of a triumphant Achilles athlete cheering as she crosses the finish line with her guide

Achilles athlete and guide cheering and smiling together on the race course

Group shot of members of the Achilles Freedom Team cheering at the finish line with Jon Stewart and Janet Patton, Director of the Achilles Freedom Team

Jasmine Ray holding two race bibs that read “Jasmine” and “Mayor Adams”

Handcycle athlete crossing the Hope and Possibility Finish Line

Photo of DJ Sophia Rocks cheering at her booth at the Bandshell celebration

*Photo Credit: Anthony Quintano, TD Bank (Images #1, #10), Cheer Everywhere (Image #5), Victor A. Mirontschuk (Image #8), and Robin Blackstone (Image #3).