Achilles International Athletes and Veterans with Disabilities to Complete 500-Mile Relay from Boston, MA to Washington D.C. Starting May 15
Achilles Relay Celebrates Adaptive Running Community and Disability Inclusion
New York, NY, May 15, 2023 – Leading adaptive running nonprofit Achilles International is proud to host a 500-mile run, walk and wheeling journey from Boston, MA to Washington, D.C. for more than 100 members with and without disabilities. The Achilles Relay, starting Monday, May 15 through Tuesday, May 23, is a celebration of inclusion, perseverance, and the transformative power of the sport of running.
It will connect six Achilles chapters (Boston, Connecticut, New York City, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.) and the military veterans of the Achilles Freedom Team who will pass the baton in segments ranging from a mile to 100 miles. The event coincides with May’s Military Appreciation Month and Achilles’ 40th Anniversary.
Up to 1 in 4 (26 percent) adults in the United States live with a disability. Nearly half of those living with a disability get no aerobic physical activity. Research also shows that people with disabilities are more likely to report feelings of loneliness and social isolation. The Achilles Relay is working to not only raise awareness but build communities to make a difference.
“The Achilles Relay is a celebration of pushing the limits and what can be done when we work together,” says Emily Glasser, President and CEO, Achilles International. “Achilles was founded on the very notion that we can redefine what is possible. We challenge limitations that have been imposed on us, and we break down barriers that stand in the way of access to opportunity and achievement. Our athletes and volunteers join forces to inspire, encourage and show up for one another, meeting every week, rain or shine. They train together, race together, achieve together and are proof that we are stronger together.”
“The main idea behind a relay is to work together as a team to reach a goal. Everyone does their part to move the baton forward and get the job done. It’s going to be great to work together as a team to help raise awareness about Achilles,” says Jonathan Aguilar, an Achilles Relay athlete with low vision from Clifton, NJ.
The Achilles Relay is proudly sponsored by The Cigna Group, GM Military Appreciation Program and TD Bank.
“We congratulate Achilles International on their 40th anniversary,” said David M. Cordani, Chairman and CEO of The Cigna Group. “We’re proud to support this year’s Relay and continue partnering with an organization making such a positive impact. Achilles enriches the lives of so many athletes and guides as it creates supportive communities proving anything is achievable when you bring together like-minded individuals who share the same vision and goals.”
“Working with Achilles is the highlight of my year – I am proud and often humbled to partner with such an amazing organization that truly makes a difference in athletes’ abilities to reach their goals,” says Susan Lock, GM Military Appreciation Program.
For more information about getting involved to cheer on the athletes or making a donation, visit www.achillesinternational.org/2023-achilles-relay.
About Achilles International
Achilles International empowers all people living with disabilities to participate in adaptive running and endurance sports. We build a supportive community to break down barriers to the start line and beyond. Our vision is a world where everyone can run, walk or roll together. We reframe what’s possible whether it’s in the park, on the race course or in everyday life.
For more information about volunteering as a guide runner, joining as an athlete with a disability or making a donation, visit www.achillesinternational.org.
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