Best Practices for Making Your Race More Accessible

Think about the first race you participated in, whether it was a World Marathon Major or a local Turkey Trot. Can you remember any details about the registration process or what information you received before the race? How did you feel at the start line? What were the crowds like? What was your finish line experience?

Achilles International is here to help make that process as accessible as possible so that athletes with disabilities (AWDs) reach the start line and have a great experience. If you don’t see yourself represented, you don’t start.

On June 10, 2025 we hosted a webinar with Running USA entitled, “Best Practices for Making Your Race More Accessible.” The key for a race director in making AWDs feel welcome is often as simple as taking the time to ask: Are you an athlete with a disability? When a registration form includes that type of question, it begins a conversation to opening your race up to more audiences and more finish line memories.

Find an outline of key considerations below to keep in mind for your race and tangible strategies to help you create a welcoming experience for athletes with disabilities. For more information, contact Kathryn Chu, VP, U.S. Programming at kchu@achillesinternational.org.

Accessible Registration

Make sign-up easy for all athletes, including those using assistive technologies or requiring accommodations like guides.

  • Provide an opportunity to identify as having a disability and the mode of participation

  • Ensure forms and webpages are accessible

  • Provide an opportunity for athletes with disabilities to request guide runners

  • Create a dedicated page on your website that provides resources for AWDs

  • Complimentary guide runner policy

  • Provide clear email communication on AWD accommodations

Start Line Logistics

Consider corrals, announcements, and pre-race accommodations that mindfully incorporate accessibility into the run-of-show. Additional considerations include:

  • Race provided transportation

  • No steps in the start area

  • Accessible bathrooms

  • ASL interpreters

  • Equipment/baggage check

  • AWD start area

  • Staff/volunteer education on accommodations

  • Earlier start time

Race Course & Support

Review the guide runner infrastructure, policy and safety for wheeled participants. Considerations include:

  • Terrain - cobblestones, sand, steps

  • Earlier start for wheelers

  • Turn radius for wheelers

  • Halfway guide exchange

  • Accessible bathrooms on the course

  • Mechanical support

  • Finish chute etiquette

Finish Line & Post-Race

Consider finisher flows, post-finish reunion area for equipment and caregiver needs. Considerations include:

  • Recovery area for wheelers or AWD

  • Equipment/baggage pick up

  • Accessible bathrooms

  • Similar offerings at AWD post finish

  • Caregiver access

  • ASL interpreter

  • Visible signage

  • Including AWDs into awards

Staff & Volunteer Training

  • Include AWD etiquette into pre race volunteer webinars

  • Provide opportunities for people with disabilities to support