Handicap runners to finish NYC ½ Marathon in Record Time
(March 13, 2014, New York, NY) – Achilles International, a non-profit that brings hope, inspiration and the joys of achievement to people with disabilities, is working with 11 visually impaired or legally blind runners this Sunday as well as John Young, well-known little person runner to finish the NYC ½ Marathon this Sunday! With the help of Achilles, each runner will have the chance to complete the 13.1 miles within Manhattan.
The NYC 1/2 marathon is the last race before the Boston Marathon next month where many of these NY and NJ-bred handicap runners will go through the finish line.
Below is some information on some of the outstanding runners, Interviews are available with the runners as well as Achilles International.
Joe Bellantoni, right, of Kinnelon, who is blind, approaches the finish line with his guide Mike Erstad at Riverside Park in New York City.Joe Bellantoni: A legally blind runners who is set to beat the odds and finish the 1/2 marathon in record time. Joe, began running with Achilles in 2009 when he lost his eye-sight in an accident and has recently completed a marathon a month over the last year as well as numerous triathlons and Ironman competitions. Joe is from NY/NJ.
John Young: Recently featured in Runners World, John is a well-known little person who has beats the odds and has run the Boston Marathon in the past as well as the NYC ½ Marathon.
The NYC ½ Marathon is 13.1 miles long and is being ran in Manhattan. It starts at 7:25 am this Sunday with a course from Central Park to Lower Manhattan, including a trip straight through Times Square.
For interview requests or for more information on Achilles International please give me a call, 917.690.5560. Thanks!
Best,
Colleen
About Achilles International:
Achilles International is a non-profit organization has chapters and members in over 65 locations within the United States and abroad. Every day, in parks, gyms, and tracks all over the world, Achilles provides athletes with disabilities with a community of support. Able-bodied volunteers and disabled runners come together to train in an environment of support and community. Within this community, runners gain measurable physical strength and build confidence through their sense of accomplishment, which often transfers to other parts of their life.
