The Achilles Rundown: Summer 2021 Newsletter
We’re excited to share that charity bibs for the Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M Presented by TD are now available for the first time ever! This sold-out race held in Central Park on Sunday, June 28 with New York Road Runners (NYRR) is eligible for 9+1 credit toward guaranteed entry for the TCS New York City Marathon.
On April 15, Achilles International athletes, guides, and leadership were featured in a special segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show on NBC. The appearance highlighted the organization’s mission and the powerful impact of its community, reaching a national daytime audience.
Suraj Chaitan of Achilles NYC is a dedicated handcyclist who balances graduate school, a career in rehabilitation, and a full schedule of training and racing. A regular at Achilles workouts, he is also a mentor to newer athletes and recently published a children’s book focused on disability and access. But beyond the miles and medals, Suraj’s story is about something bigger: access, mindset, and showing others what’s possible. Read a Q&A with Suraj.
The 2026 Tokyo Marathon marked both a competitive achievement and a global gathering for the Achilles community, as athletes from multiple countries came together to compete on one of the sport’s largest international stages.
Achilles athletes with disabilities received over $125,000 in grant funding in 2025 to help fund their dream races thanks to the support of the Cordani Family Grant Program. In its inaugural year, the program awarded a total of 111 athletes grants in 2025. From international races, to local 5K events and even a summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, these grants are going directly to fund the dream races and experiences of civilian Achilles athletes across the United States. Read more.
Achilles athletes kicked off the New Year at the Chevron Houston Marathon, Half Marathon, and We Are Houston 5K, by sweeping the handcycle divisions, earning multiple podium finishes. Several first-time competitors also made strong debuts, showcasing the depth and talent of the team. Meanwhile in Florida, 50 Achilles athletes competed in the Walt Disney® World Marathon Weekend events, including seven who completed the Dopey Challenge (a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon) over four consecutive days.