Disability Pride Month Photo Essay
To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990, we are highlighting the advocacy and support NYRR has for athletes with disabilities—including youth wheelchair athletes and world-class professionals—and our longtime partnership with Achilles International.
Check out the photos below to learn more.
Dick Traum devoted his life to helping people with disabilities compete as athletes in road races and other sporting events. In 1983 he founded Achilles International. He was the first amputee to complete the New York City Marathon when he ran it in 1976. He is seen here crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge decades later at the 50th running of the TCS New York City Marathon.
Achilles International relies on dedicated volunteers to ensure our athletes with disabilities feel supported and welcomed. This guide supports a runner at the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon.
Achilles International guide poses with runners at the 2025 Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M Presented by TD Bank.
Achilles International transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. Pictured here, an Achilles athlete at the 23rd annual Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M Presented by TD Bank in 2025.
Achilles athletes find camaraderie at the Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run® 4M.
Kayleigh Williamson, pictured here at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon finish line with Achilles International guide, became one of the first known women with Down syndrome to run a marathon at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon.
The Rising New York Road Runners Wheelchair Training Program is a free program for youth with physical disabilities ages 6 to 21. The program offers weekly training sessions on a seasonal basis, in-school resources, and competitive events on the road and track.
Youth wheelchair athletes at the Times Square Kids Run at the United Airlines NYC Half.
Olympian and TCS New York City Marathon champion Tatyana McFadden poses with her mother, Deborah McFadden, who was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Listen to the episode of Set the Pace with Deborah McFadden.
A professional wheelchair athlete on the course at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon.
Wheelchair athlete on course at the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon.
Athletes with disabilities crossing the finish line at the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon.