Military Veteran “Thriving Toward 17” World Records in 24-Hour Treadmill Run with HOKA, NordicTrack and iFIT on October 15
Military veteran Adam Popp, 45, of Golden, CO, has always been mission driven. His next mission? A 24-hour treadmill run starting at 10:00 AM ET on October 15 aiming to break several world records for above knee amputees. He will complete the “Thriving Toward 17” run on an iFIT enabled NordicTrack treadmill at the HOKA flagship store in New York City.
A 12-year combat veteran of the United States Air Force, Adam’s life changed in 2007. While working to disarm a roadside bomb (IED) in Afghanistan as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team leader, Adam was injured by a secondary IED, resulting in the amputation of his right leg above the knee.
“I thought my life might be over – and that’s not an exaggeration,” he says.
Once he discovered the sport of running, he found a new sense of fulfillment and achievement.
“Achilles International has supported me throughout my running journey, from handcycling the Chicago Marathon in 2008 to running the Boston Marathon on a blade in 2017 to eventually winning my category and setting the course record in 2024,” says Adam. “What drives me is a deep desire to show that we are capable of pushing far beyond our limits.”
He is a seven-time Guinness World Record holder and was the first above-knee amputee to complete a 100-mile ultramarathon within 30 hours in 2016 amongst several other athletic achievements.
“I hope people realize that these kinds of achievements do not happen alone. The power of community is instrumental in overcoming adversity. Achilles International has been a vital part of my running journey, connecting me with a team that believes in possibilities, not limitations,” says Adam.
“Thriving Toward 17” references Adam’s personal mission to break 17 world records in one year commemorating the 17th anniversary of that day in Afghanistan that changed his life. His 24-hour treadmill run will achieve the final records in the LA1 category (unilateral above-knee amputation) needed to complete his goal including:
Fastest 50K run on a treadmill (male - LA1)
Fastest 100K run on a treadmill (male - LA1)
Fastest 100 miles run on a treadmill (male - LA1)
Greatest distance run on a treadmill in 24 hours (male - LA1)
Join us in cheering Adam on during HOKA store hours (October 15, 10:00 AM -7:00 PM) or be there when the store opens at 10:00 AM ET on October 16 to celebrate his finish at 579 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017. If you can’t join us in person, follow along across Achilles’ social media handles and use #GoAdam to cheer him on digitally.
“Adam exemplifies how belief and hope can translate into limitless possibility. Fellow Achilles athletes from our chapters around the world will be cheering him on next Tuesday. We are deeply grateful for Adam’s service as a military veteran and for the example he sets with every run as a member of our Achilles Freedom Team. We wish him the best of luck and look forward to celebrating this extraordinary achievement with him at the finish line," says Emily Glasser, President and CEO of Achilles International.
“Since June, 2022, HOKA has proudly partnered with Achilles International, a non-profit which transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection, to break down barriers and support more athletes of all ages and levels to participate in endurance events around the globe,” said Ashley Hamlett, Director of Global Brand Communications at HOKA. “We are proud to support Achilles athlete, veteran, and mental performance coach – Adam Popp – in his continued world record attempts, embodying the perseverance, dedication, and power of movement that Achilles and HOKA both represent.”
“NordicTrack and iFIT were introduced to Achilles International by one of our visually impaired iFIT members who was running the New York City Marathon which eventually led to one of our trainers, Knox Robinson, becoming her guide for the race. The introduction has since evolved into a full fledged relationship based on ensuring all athletes regardless of their disability not only have access to fitness events around the world but are supported in their training efforts,” said Mark Phillips, Chief Marketing Officer at iFIT. “We are humbled by the amazing athletes we have been able to support with our Achilles International partnership. Achilles athlete, Adam Popp, is just one example of many of the dynamic, driven and deeply talented athletes we get to help achieve their personal best.”
Thank you to our partners HOKA, NordicTrack and iFIT for your support of our mission and commitment to disability inclusion. Read more about Adam’s journey in his HOKA blog here.
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