Achilles Around the World Summer Update

Achilles members from all over the world have been beating the summer heat over the past few weeks by training hard and having fun with their teammates! From Zumba lessons to milestone races, Achilles athletes know how to make the most of the summer months. Read a quick recap below of what some of our chapters have been up to.

U.S. Chapters

Chicago and NYC

Achilles Chicago and Achilles NYC both participated in the HOKA Fly Run events in their cities to celebrate the launch of HOKA’s new FLY HUMAN FLY™ campaign on June 15 in NYC and July 27 in Chicago. The events were unique and interactive scavenger hunts where participants searched for and visited different landmarks in the city while celebrating all forms of movement.

Achilles Chicago members smiling and posing together in the HOKA store in Chicago

Selfie of Achilles Chicago members participating in the event

Achilles athlete running alongside her guide

Photo of some Achilles members’ HOKA sneakers

Achilles Director of NYC Metro Francesco Magisano posing with Achilles NYC athlete during the HOKA scavenger hunt event

Group photo of Achilles NYC members at the event

Achilles Director of NYC Metro, Francesco Magisano posing with Achilles Director of Development, Kelly O’Brien at the NYC HOKA Store

Long Island

Charlie Plakson, a longtime member of Achilles Long Island, finished second in the Challenged Male division at the Jamesport Triathlon. The race included a 500 meter swim, a 16 mile bike ride and a 5K run. The race was a part of Charlie’s training for the upcoming Ironman 70.3 New York at Jones Beach on September 23, which also happens to be his 80th birthday! Charlie is a nine-time Ironman finisher and is hoping to complete his tenth full Ironman in 2024.

Charlie Plakson and his guide crossing the finish line together

Charlie Plakson running alongside his guide

Charlie Plakson and his guide riding together on a tandem bicycle

Los Angeles

Coach Jasmine of Achilles Los Angeles led chapter members in an awesome Zumba session after their run/walk workout in the park. It was a great way for members to have some fun together while keeping the energy going after their workout.

Achilles LA athletes participating in a post-workout Zumba session

Team Achilles U.S.A.

Achilles members from across the country who don’t live near an active Achilles chapter celebrated inclusivity with their very own Hope & Possibility themed workouts. Members celebrated by taking photos with Achilles branded signs that say what gives them hope, and what they think is possible.

Passle Helminski of Team Achilles U.S.A. was honored to hold the American flag during the National Anthem to kick off the Erie, PA Half Marathon!

While recovering from a stroke, Alan Young of Team Achilles U.S.A. participated in the Colfax Half Marathon in Dever, Colorado. He is training for the Walt Disney World full marathon in January 2024

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.

Group photo of Team Achilles USA members working out together

Selfie of Team Achilles USA member smiling with another Achilles member in the background posing next to a bicycle

Passle Helminski holding up the American flag during the National Anthem at the Erie, PA Half Marathon

Alan Young on the course of the Colfax Half Marathon

International Chapters

Germany

Achilles Germany organized their tenth annual Hope & Possibility run on July 9 in Ostpark, Munich. Three hundred and twenty seven racers came out to join in on the fun and celebrate inclusion. The race included athletes of all ages with and without disabilities. With generous support from the Disabled Sports Association, the Radio Gong 96.3 Morning Show and many others, the event was a wonderful success.

Achilles Germany members at the start of their Hope & Possibility Run

Group photo of Achilles Germany members

Achilles Germany members running together on the race course

Sydney

Achilles Sydney also hosted their very own Hope & Possibility themed workout. Chapter members had a great run together on their beautiful training grounds, and enjoyed conversations around the importance of inclusive events like this.

Mongolia

The 2023 Achilles Mongolia Kids Fun Run was hosted by our Mongolia chapter in the National Park this past May. Nearly 700 children, along with their parents, guardians and teachers, participated in the event with other members of their community, including local law enforcement officers and other dedicated volunteers. Forty-eight children from all different age groups received medals, certificates and other awards for completing the race.