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OUR HISTORY & MISSION

In 1976, Dick Traum, an above the knee amputee, found himself approaching middle age and out of shape. After joining a local YMCA, Dick began running – small distances at first and then, eventually several miles. Within a year, Dick became the first amputee to run the New York City Marathon. The experience was life changing, bringing a powerful sense of achievement and self-esteem. In 1983, seeking to provide that same opportunity to other people with disabilities, Dick created the Achilles Track Club, now called Achilles International.

Today, Achilles International is a global, non-profit organization operating in 25 countries including the US.  Achilles transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. Since our founding, we have empowered over 150,000 athletes of all ages and ability levels to participate in endurance events around the globe.  While our programs focus on running, our main objective has always been to bring hope, inspiration, and the joys of achievement to all.

The mission of Achilles International is to transform the lives of people with disabilities through athletics and social connection. Achilles pairs athletes with disabilities and medical conditions with runners without disabilities in order to become active, set goals, and lower barriers to living a fulfilling life.

Please click the link to learn more about Achilles International.

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