Achilles International

Since 1983, when founder Dick Traum’s first Central Park gathering of disabled runners began to train and encourage each other, Achilles chapter workouts have brought athletes together in cities and towns throughout the world. The key element of success in chapter workouts is the strong community of friendship and support that forms among members.

Chapter running groups contain a mix of members and volunteers who meet and train on a regular schedule, once or twice a week. The workouts aren’t intended to push participants beyond their capabilities, but rather are focused on encouraging them to set goals, measure successes, and to value their accomplishments. In training and racing together, disabled and able-bodied athletes learn to support each other and focus on the things that make them similar, rather than their differences.