VIDEO: Watch Achilles athletes overcome hurdles on and off the track
It would have been easy to cancel or postpone the 2020 Achilles Hope & Possibility Race when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. And many other races did just that.
But Achilles race organizers knew they had to come up with a solution. After all, Achilles participants are known for facing fierce challenges and overcoming them.
That's why organizers decided to hold the first ever virtual Achilles Hope & Possibility Virtual 5k/10-Miler, presented by TD Bank, in lieu of the in-person event - one of the largest road races for athletes with and without disabilities – normally held in New York City's Central Park.
This year's virtual race gave participants the flexibility of running, walking or wheeling from anywhere in the world, between July 18-26th. More than 3,000 runners, including 430 TD colleagues, crossed the finish line.
"Our first virtual event was a great success. Our diverse field included roughly 3,000 participants representing 23 countries across the globe," said Emily Glasser, CEO and President of Achilles International. "We were thrilled with the results of this wonderfully inclusive event but certainly can't wait to be together again in Central Park next year."
To learn more, watch the video spotlighting a few of the heroes who participated in this year's virtual event.