Achilles to Operate United in Stride
Expanding Independent Training Opportunities for Athletes with Disabilities
Achilles International is thrilled to begin operating the United in Stride online tool, a one-to-one matching program that connects people who are blind or low vision with local running and walking guides, on May 28.
United in Stride allows participants to independently arrange workouts based on location and availability, complementing Achilles’ established chapter-based training programs and providing more opportunities to those who do not live near a chapter.
“Movement should be accessible on your schedule and in your community,” says Emily Glasser, President and CEO, Achilles International. “This program expands independence while strengthening connection. Our goal is simple, bring the magic of Achilles on the go.”
The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) built and launched United in Stride in 2015 with co- founder Richard Hunter, a blind endurance athlete. The transition ensures the platform’s continued availability and aligns with Achilles’ mission to remove barriers to participation in endurance sports.
“We are incredibly proud of what United in Stride has become and are thrilled that it has found a new home with Achilles International,” said Amanda Trombley, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. “Achilles is an organization that not only shares our values and commitment to inclusion, but also has the international infrastructure to carry this work forward in meaningful ways. For years, United in Stride members have expressed interest in having local chapters and deeper community connections. Through Achilles’ chapter network, athletes and guides will now have expanded opportunities to connect locally while continuing to grow the program’s impact nationwide.”
“I am thankful that MABVI is willing to pass along the stewardship to Achilles International so the mission of United in Stride can impact more lives than ever before! By pairing Achilles’ chapter programs with the ability to allow members to also independently connect wherever they live, running, walking, triathlon training, and more, will be more accessible than it has ever been. Each new connection made is life changing and each member should have the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits that outdoor recreation has to offer,” said Richard Hunter, United in Stride, Co-Founder.
As the transition continues, existing and new members, will be asked to complete Achilles’ sign up process, including a background check, through its online platform Rosterfy. More details on how and when Achilles members can access United in Stride within their Rosterfy dashboard will be shared in the coming weeks ahead.
