Who is Achilles?

Achilles Track Club is an international non-profit organisation founded in  New York. It now has chapters around the World. Each chapter's goal is to take a team of athletes to compete in the New York City Marathon every year.

Achilles encourages people with all kinds of disabilities to participate in long distance running events with the general public, this is to enable people to see our athletes for what they really are, real people, and for the self esteem they have as athletes.

"Champions are not

extraordinary people,

Champions are ordinary people

who do extraordinary things."

(Carl Lewis)

Are our athletes an inspiration to some people? Yes, what they do takes guts, dedication, discipline, determination and incredible courage. After 42 Kilometres of exposing their  souls for all to see their persistence breaks down the resistance and they slowly gain momentum as their rate of success increases with each step towards the end. Emotionally overcome they cross the finish line and get the medal that says "I am a Marathoner" just like all the other finishers, so recognise me as a full human being.

When that happens it will be a VICTORY for HUMANITY and that is why they do it.

The Achilles Track Club New Zealand Inc (New Zealand's Chapter) is dedicated to breaking down barriers for people with all kinds of disabilities by participating in mainstream events such as marathon running.

Achilles New Zealand was started in 1993 and since that time has taken over 13

0 people with physical disabilities to participate in the New York City Marathon (with a 100 % success rate).

Achilles athletes have taken on Army Assault Courses at the Waiouru Army Camp and climbed mountains. Gary Endacott was the first person with cerebal palsey to run the New York Marathon unaided. He has also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

How can you help?

Cheer our athletes on "Go Achilles Go!"

Recognise our athletes for what they are "full human beings" when that happens it will be a victory for humanity.

Become a volunteer

"Vision without Action is merely a dream.

Action without Vision is just passing the time.

Put together Action and Vision

and you can change the world".

Our Athletes have a Vision. Your action can change their world.