Over 8,000 Celebrate Inclusive Athletics at the 2026 Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M Presented by TD
The 2026 Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M Presented by TD brought together more than 8,000 athletes, guides, volunteers, supporters, and community partners in Central Park to celebrate inclusion through sport. Athletes of all abilities took to the course alongside volunteer guides, demonstrating the power of teamwork and the impact of making athletics accessible to everyone. From first-time participants to longtime members of the Achilles community, the event showcased determination, connection, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to move.
The celebration began before race day with "Investing in Race Day: Saving Up to Go the Distance," a panel hosted by Achilles International in partnership with TD and New York Road Runners. The discussion explored the physical, financial, and logistical preparation required for endurance events, with a special focus on the unique considerations athletes with disabilities face, from adaptive equipment and guide support to travel and training. The conversation underscored the collaborative effort behind every start line and set the tone for a weekend centered on accessibility, inclusion, and opportunity.
Race morning began with a mindful meditation moment led by Peloton instructor and avid Achilles guide Mariana Fernández, giving participants a moment to pause and prepare before taking to the course.
Representing the Filomen M. D'Agostino Greenberg Music School choir, blind singers Maya Graves and Mana Hashimoto opened the ceremony with an a cappella rendition of America the Beautiful. They were followed by Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, veteran, and America's Got Talent Season 20 contestant Benjamin Hightower, who delivered a performance of the national anthem before hitting the course to take on the race himself.
The opening ceremony also featured remarks from former NFL running back Tiki Barber, who later ran the race as an Achilles guide and signed a football for a participant raffle giveaway.
Throughout the park, partners helped create an engaging race-day experience. Presenting sponsor TD hosted several activations, including an ice cream truck for participants and spectators.
A Little Shop NYC, a local TD small business owner, distributed commemorative stickers, art prints, and braille prints.
Accessibility was reflected throughout the event as well. Race bibs and finisher medals once again featured braille, and post-race awards recognized top finishers across multiple disability categories, including:
Yasemin Kinis, Achilles NYC, Women’s Pushrim Wheelchair
Matt Darlow, Achilles New Jersey, Men’s Pushrim Wheelchair
Andrew Hairston, Achilles Freedom Team, Men’s Handcycle
Jessica Hayon, Achilles NYC, Women’s Handcycle
Eleanor Chapman, Achilles NYC, Women’s Ambulatory AWD
Richard Whitehead, Achilles Freedom Team mentor, Men’s Ambulatory AWD
Matthew Turner, Achilles NYC, Men’s Visually Impaired
Alyssa Sanders, Achilles NYC, Women’s Visually Impaired
Kamal Julka, Achilles New Jersey, Women’s Mobility Impaired
Atara Fishman, Achilles NYC, Women’s Lower Limb Loss
The event also recognized a historic milestone for Achilles founder Dick Traum. Special signage throughout the park commemorated the 50th anniversary of his groundbreaking achievement as the first person to complete the New York City Marathon on a prosthetic leg, honoring the legacy that continues to inspire the organization's mission today.
For the first time, Achilles had 16 Team Achilles charity entrants participate in the race. The team raised over $8,700 to help support athletes with disabilities.
Achilles thanks every athlete, guide, volunteer, supporter, and partner who made this year's race possible, especially TD and New York Road Runners.
Photo Credit: Adrian Umpierrez and Whit Wales, Endeavor Films, Courtesy of TD
