20 Years of the Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M
We’re celebrating 20 years of milestones at this year’s Achilles Hope & Possibility® 4M Presented by TD Bank.
The race leads into July's Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, exactly one month after race day.
First run in 2003, the Achilles Hope & Possibility® 4M represents a partnership between NYRR and Achilles International, which since 1983 has been transforming the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection and has empowered over 150,000 athletes worldwide, of all ages and ability levels, to participate in endurance events.
You can sign up to run the Achilles Hope & Possibility® 4M Presented by TD Bank on Sunday, June 26, or take part in the accompanying Family + Health Walk. By racing, you help support Achilles International's mission to break down barriers to the start line for athletes with disabilities and empower them to cross the finish line.
Kids ages 2 to 11 can participate in the free Achilles Hope & Possibility® Kids Races with Rising New York Road Runners.
The race was founded in 2003 by Achilles International founder and former CEO Dick Traum, and founding board chairman Trisha Meili. The race name was inspired by Meili's memoir I Am the Central Park Jogger A Story of Hope and Possibility.
"My favorite part of each Hope & Possibility race is cheering people on at the finish line," said Meili. "Seeing the joy from people of all abilities is so magical. You feel the spirit and sense of accomplishment."
Many of those running on June 26 have amazing stories of overcoming challenges and finding their own hope and possibility. Alan Kaufman, a member of Achilles with the Queens chapter, is celebrating his five-year "Cancerversary" from brain cancer this month. Alan walks daily, has completed marathons, and will be running his fourth Achilles Hope & Possibility® race.
"The event has come to represent overcoming my own health issues and the related challenges," he said. "It’s a celebration with others who have done the same. For me, Hope & Possibility is joyous and life affirming. It has been one of my favorite events of the year."
Come out and take part, or cheer on athletes of all abilities from the sidelines, and experience your own hope and possibility.