Achilles Athletes Win Their Divisions at the 127th Boston Marathon
Over 40 Achilles members from across the globe competed in the 127th Boston Marathon on April 17, 2023. The city marked the tenth anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing and honored the victims.
From New York City to Mexico City, Achilles athletes gave it their all on the race course. We congratulate those who placed within their divisions including:
Zach Stinson, Achilles Freedom Team, first place, men’s handcycle division. This is Zach’s second time winning his division in the race.
Corey Petersen, Achilles Freedom Team, first place wheelchair T51/T52 division.
Ary Carlos Santos Dias, Achilles Brazil, second place, para T13 division.
Devann Murphy, Achilles NYC, third place, women’s handcycle division.
“It was thrilling to see a handcycle athlete recognized and celebrated at the iconic Boston Marathon finish line along with all of the other champions who were first to cross. We thank the Boston Athletic Association for setting an example for inclusivity and diversity in sports. The 26.2 mile journey from Hopkinton to Boston may look different for each athlete. Whether your sneaker or hand propels you forward, crossing a marathon finish line first is an epic achievement to celebrate,” said Emily Glasser, President and CEO.
Boston Marathon day was also full of impressive firsts and new PR’s. Dylan Bourne of Achilles Los Angeles, who was guided by HOKA athlete Mike Wardian, conquered his goal of completing a marathon in under three hours with a 16 minute PR.
Achilles athletes enjoyed a team dinner and a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park before race day. Military veterans of the Achilles Freedom Team were honored on the field for their service in a special pre-game ceremony. Members of Team Achilles USA, a virtual group of athletes with disabilities who do not live near an Achilles chapter, enjoyed meeting other athletes for the first time in person.
Local members of the Achilles Boston chapter were thrilled to spend the weekend at these events with Achilles marathoners from all over the world making new friendships and connections.
We thank our sponsors and partners for making the weekend special: GM Military Appreciation Program, Cigna, Yankee Bus, the Boston Police Department, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and The Westin Boston Seaport District.
Thank you to our first Boston Marathon Team Achilles charity runner, MaryEllen Branna, Achilles New Jersey, who raised $20,000.
We congratulate all of our incredible athletes who participated and look forward to cheering them on again across the next finish line.
