The Achilles Marathon Tour

Whether a walk in the park every week or training to reach the podium of a division, Achilles is here to support athletes with disabilities on their quest to conquer a marathon. Every year, you may recognize us on race courses around the globe by our neon yellow jerseys and loud “Go Achilles!” cheers. In the cities where we have a major presence below, we plan a series of special team bonding gatherings and experiences, that are part of what we call the Achilles Marathon Tour. We roll out the red carpet for Achilles athletes and military veterans of the Achilles Freedom Team in a variety of ways thanks to our sponsors to ensure race weekend is meaningful, memorable and successful, such as by providing:

• Equipment tune-ups and access*

• Assistance with registration procedures

• Assistance finding a guide

• Hotel discounts*

• Transportation and meals*

• Local excursions*

*Offerings vary by chapter, city and resources.

How to Get Involved

Active Achilles members are welcome to participate with the support of their chapter leads on the Achilles Marathon Tour.

Step 1: Apply to the race via its website

Note, each race has its own set of criteria, deadlines and rules for acceptance. Some have time qualifying standards, lottery applications and charity entries. Often the race registration window can open as early as 11 months prior to the race date. The Abbott World Marathon Majors are particularly challenging to secure an entry due to their popularity. We advise visiting the website of the race you hope to participate in for details as soon as possible. *If you are a military veteran or first responder with a disability and a member of the Achilles Freedom Team, please contact Janet Patton for more information to join the Marathon Tour: jpatton@achillesinternational.org.

Step 2: Reach out to Achilles

If you have been accepted to a race, please notify your chapter lead. If you do not live near an Achilles chapter or have a chapter lead, contact Kathryn Chu at kchu@achillesinternational.org. A member of the Achilles team will follow up with any planned activities taking place on race weekend.

If you did not gain a race entry during its application period, you can also apply for a charity entry. Learn more about fundraising for Team Achilles here.

Not an Achilles athlete with a disability and want to get involved and guide at a race? Sign up as a volunteer here and learn more. Typically, the most experienced guides and regular Achilles workout attendees are chosen to race with athletes in races to ensure race day is safe and special.

Other Major Races You’ll Find Achilles

• Detroit Free Press Marathon

• Tokyo Marathon

• London Marathon

• NYC Half Marathon

• Achilles Hope & Possibility® 4M Presented by TD Bank held annually in June with New York Road Runners in Central Park.

*Achilles chapters are gathering at start lines around the world monthly. Looking for an opportunity to participate in a race outside of your local chapter? Contact Kathryn Chu at kchu@achillesinternational.org for U.S. based opportunities or Karen Lewis at klewis@achillesinternational.org for international opportunities.