Achilles Adelaide Newsletter
Next Training – 11th April
Location: Glenelg
Meet from 8.45am an 9:00am start
Session led by Justine
- This session includes guide training and social coffee/drink of choice at Europa Cafe
RSVP HERE: Helps us pair guides and athletes smoothly. You can update your plans later if needed – just message us or redo the form.
Achilles Adelaide 2026 Membership is now up – Please follow the link to register. Achilles Adelaide 2026 Membership Registration
What’s next:
- Glenelg Training Saturday 21st April – lead by Dani and Susan
- Anzac Day Long Weekend – Saturday 25th April – Oaklands Estate Park Run – meet there from 7.30am – lead by Dani and Susan
- Glenelg Training Saturday 2nd May – led by Justine
- Adelaide Marathon Festival (5km, 10km, 21.1km or marathon) Sunday 3rd May – lead by Justine & Dani
This Months Upcoming Activity
Social Coffee 14th April
Next Months Upcoming Activity
Saturday 11th Glenelg Training – lead by Justine
Saturday 18th Glenelg Training – lead by Susan & Dani
Anzac Day 25th April Oaklands Estate Reserve Park Run – lead by Susan & Dani
🏅 Achilles Adelaide – Member of the Month – April 2026
💛 Meet Alex
Alex is our youngest member at Achilles Adelaide, and we are so proud to have him as part of our community.
From his very first session, Alex has brought curiosity, courage and a quiet determination to our Saturday mornings. Whether he’s lining up for a race, pushing himself through a tough session, or sharing a laugh with his guides, Alex reminds us that belonging in sport isn’t about speed — it’s about showing up.
Alex joined Achilles after completing the City-to-Bay 12km with a neighbourhood friend who guided him. Running had always been something he loved — even before he lost his vision at age 11 — but finding a way to continue safely and confidently wasn’t straightforward. When Achilles appeared at just the right time, it opened a new chapter.
🗣 In Alex’s Own Words
What do you enjoy most about Achilles?
“I really love the inclusive environment. It’s great having a safe place where I can run and meet new people. I just love getting out there and running.”
How did you feel before your first session compared to now?
“I felt nervous and excited. I didn’t know what to expect. Now I look forward to Achilles every Saturday.”
What’s been a highlight?
“Competing in the Glenelg Classic and Run Moana. They were challenging but really fun. I’ve also loved meeting people and hearing their stories.”
🎯 Alex’s Goals
Alex has some big (and brilliant) goals ahead:
- Completing a half marathon
- Improving his 10km time
- Building endurance
- Getting a little bit faster
He’s got his sights set on the Barossa Half Marathon 2026, following a strong 10km at the Adelaide Marathon Festival 2026, and building on great runs at Glenelg Classic 2025 and Run Moana 2026.
What’s been especially exciting is seeing the power of the Achilles Adelaide community in action. A new guide — and running coach — Mick has joined us and is now supporting Alex with an additional weekday run when possible, helping him work towards that half marathon goal.
It’s a brilliant example of what this community can do 💛
🌱 What Alex Has Learned
“Achilles has helped me realise how much I love running.”
He’s proud of his willingness to try new things — and we couldn’t agree more. Alex brings a positive outlook that lifts those around him.
He was also surprised by how many people show up each week — and how welcoming the group is.
- Thanks Alex – we are working hard to build a fun inclusive community and we love that you are enjoying it and are part of it
💬 Advice from Alex
“To anyone who feels nervous — just try it. Even if you don’t enjoy it, at least you gave it a go. Before Achilles, I hadn’t found a sport I was really passionate about.”
⚡ Things You Might Not Know About Alex
- He’s a twin
- His favourite place is Singapore
- He’d love to tour Antarctica one day
- Water and hash browns and his favourite post-run fuel
- One word that his friends would use to describe him is “Event Organiser”
⚡ A little about life outside Achilles — what keeps Alex busy
Alex enjoys playing guitar, cooking, and keeping busy with school.
⚡ Alex’s vision journey and how sport fits into it
Alex was born with a condition called neurofibromatosis, where tumours grow on the nerves. His vision loss was caused by a tumour on the optic nerve. He lost vision in his right eye at age six, and later in his left eye at age eleven, which meant going through significant treatment over time.
Through all of this, sport — and particularly running — has played a huge role. Alex discovered long-distance running while attending a school for students who are blind or have low vision. After leaving school, he took some time away from running, but through Achilles Adelaide, he has rediscovered that passion and love for the sport.
⚡ What Alex would like to do in the future
After completing Year 12, Alex hopes to attend university and study history.
⚡ A dream race anywhere in the world
Running the original marathon route from Marathon to Athens.
⚡ Something on his bucket list
Travelling around Europe.
⚡ Someone who inspires him
His family.
⚡ A fun or unexpected talent
Making a great coffee ☕
💛 Why Alex Matters
Alex reminds us that inclusion in sport changes lives — especially for young people finding their way. He shows courage, humour and resilience in equal measure, and we cannot wait to see what 2026 brings for him.
We’re incredibly proud to have Alex as part of Achilles Adelaide.
Image description (1) From left to right, Danielle, Alex and Paola standing together at the Glenelg Rotunda in March 2026. They are wearing yellow Achilles Adelaide tops and are smiling. (2) Claire, Alex, and Leonie running into the finish line at Run Moana in February 2026 (3) Claire, Alex, Emily (Alex’s mum) and Leonie from Run Moana in February 2026 (4) David D and Alex fitting in some extra sessions over the Christmas break (5) Corey, Alex and Tiani at the end of the Glenelg Classic run in November 2025 (6) Mick and Alex checking out some new courses March 2026
Tip of the Week – Introduce Yourself First
When you arrive at training or join a group conversation, always say your name first.
Instead of jumping straight into conversation, try:
“Hi, it’s Justine here.”
For someone who is blind or has low vision, this small step removes uncertainty and helps them immediately know who they’re speaking with — especially in a group setting.
It’s simple, but it makes conversations smoother, more inclusive, and far more comfortable for everyone.
Inclusive communication isn’t complicated. It just takes intention 💛
#AccessibilityMatters
#InclusionInAction
#AchillesAdelaide
Upcoming Key Dates
APRIL
Sat 11 April – Guide Training and Social Coffee
Mon 20 April – Boston Marathon (Go Rosey and Sharaze)
Sat 25 April – Anzac Day Weekend – Oaklands Estate Parkrun
Sun 26 April – London Marathon (Go Johnny, Che and Danielle) and Ballarat Marathon (Go Warren, David, Serin, Kirrily, Katherine, Sonia and Karen)
MAY
Sun 3 May – Adelaide Marathon festival (official Achilles Adelaide event)
Sat 9 May – Guide Training and Social Coffee
Fri 15 May – Backyard Ultra (Go Emma Mor)
Sun 31 May – McLaren Vale Marathon
JUNE
Sat 13 June – Guide Training and Social Coffee
JULY
Sat 4 July – Guide Training and Social Coffee
Sun 11 Jul – Ultra Adelaide Running Festival
- Sun 26 July – Hills to Henley
AUGUST
Sat 1 Aug – Guide Training and Social Coffee
Sun 9 Aug – City 2 Surf, Sydney (Go Justine & Serena)
Sun 23 Aug – Barossa Half Marathon (Go Alex and Mick),
Sun 30 August – Sydney Marathon (Go Rosey, Clare, Johnny, Amelie, Warren, Bobby); Blind Challenge Day (working with Blind Sports SA)
SEPTEMBER
Sat 5 Sept – Guide Training and Social Coffee
Sun 20 Sept – City-Bay (official Achilles Adelaide event)
OCTOBER
Sat 10 October – Guide Training and Social Coffee
NOVEMBER
Sat 7 Nov – Guide Training and Social Coffee
Sun 15 Nov – Glenelg Classic (official Achilles Adelaide event)
DECEMBER
Sat 19 Dec – Achilles Adelaide Xmas Break Up, Snacks, Coffee and AGM
2027 JANUARY
Christmas break
2027 FEBRUARY
Sat 6 Feb – Achilles Adelaide Training commences
Sat 13 Feb – Guide Training and Social Coffee