Achilles Hope & Possibility 5MJune 28, 2009 [Results] |
| The Achilles Track Club is celebrating its 25th year of providing people with disabilities the opportunity to compete in mainstream distance races. The Achilles Hope and Possibility 5-Miler was inaugurated in 2003, inspired by the book I Am The Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope and Possibility, by Achilles Founding Board Chair Trisha Meili, who competed in the event’s seventh running on Sunday, June 28. On a warm day with clear skies, 2,351 athletes finished a scenic loop of Central Park near West 69th Street. The race was followed by music, kids’ fun events, and disability awareness activities. |
 Dick Traum, the founder and president of the Achilles Track Club (ATC), with some protégés. |
 The handcycle competitors were the first to start the five-mile tour of Central Park. |
 Trisha Meili (#2547), once known as “the Central Park Jogger,” is still a Central Park runner. She finished in 49:44. |
 The humid weather of the past week broke on race day to let the runners enjoy clear, dry conditions. |
 Handcyclists’ arms do the work of bicyclists’ legs—no easy feat. |
 Once you’ve seen how fast these racers can move, the term “disability” can seem inappropriate. |
 Megan Lalli of New York City finished in 38:38. |
 Jack Ahrens (#4599) averaged 8:43 per mile with a carbon-fiber leg. |
 Hakan Durantas (#2491), a blind runner for ATC, finished with his guide in 50:26. |
 Donny Bailey of New York City thoroughly enjoyed the 43:53 that he spent on the course. |
 These finishers kept up the positive attitude well past their finish line. |
 High-tech racing wheelchairs are optional. |
 Bado Worku Mendessa of West Side Runners won the men’s race in 24:22—after taking second in a five-mile race the day before in 23:06! |
 Meskerem Legesse of the Bronx ran 28:54 to win the women’s race. |
 “No rides without helmets, kids—you’ll just have to run.” |
 These U.S. Military runners all finished strong. |
 Kids’ races for runners age 2-12 accompanied the main event. |
 This competitor’s determination was matched only by his smile. |
 A future ING New York City Marathon wheelchair racer? |
 No medal could outshine this face. |
