New members information

Who are we?

​Achilles International was founded in the US in 1983 by Dick Traum, the first amputee to run the New York Marathon (in 1976). We have chapters in over 40 countries worldwide including Sydney, Brisbane Canberra, Melbourne and Hunter/Central Coast.
We welcome anyone with a physical disability who is interested in walking, running or wheeling in a supportive, inclusive and social club.

What does the Achilles Running Club offer people with a disability?
·       The opportunity to enjoy relaxed exercise in pleasant locations with the encouragement of friendly, trained volunteer guides.
·       The opportunity to develop your walking or running abilities to a level of your choosing.
·       The opportunity to take part in many local and regional walking & running events, including the City to Surf, the Sydney Running Festival and the Orange Running Festival.
·       Safety in numbers – our team of experienced volunteer guides support you before, during and after the race as needed.
·       The opportunity to take part in a range of other activities such as bush-walking, tandem cycling or swimming.
·       The opportunity to meet weekly with a group of friendly, supportive and enthusiastic Club members and expand your network.
·       The opportunity to have a say in the running of a Club that will value your opinions and suggestions.
Where and when?

• Achilles meets at 8:00 a.m. on most Sundays on Hospital Road at the rear of the Sydney Eye Hospital. We walk, run and wheel through the Botanical Gardens, round the Opera House or over the iconic Harbour Bridge.
• Occasionally, we meet at Centennial Park as a result of road-closures for events in the CBD.
• Additionally, training is occasionally cancelled because of our participation in a major community event.
• Transfers and cancellations known to us in advance known to us in advance are listed on the Sydney Events page.
• Members will be advised when other cancellations or transfers are necessary.

How to get involved

• Arrange to attend your first training session by sending an email to info@achilles-sydney.org.au.
• If you do decide to become a member, complete the Membership Application Form on the Achilles Website via this link: Membership Form.
• So that we can be sure that we can provide the right level of volunteer assistance, you will be asked about the impact of your disability/medical condition.
• Achilles volunteers are not carers in a medical sense. They are guides who will help you with your exercise needs during the training sessions.
• Similarly, the form asks a question about your current level of physical activity. The interests of Achilles members range from walking slowly for a few hundred metres to attempting a new ‘personal best’ in a marathon.
• The Club will ensure that your guide will be prepared to run or walk at your pace and assist with your personal needs throughout the event.
• If you have any specific questions or would like more information please get in touch with us at info@achilles-sydney.org.au.

​For more information you can:
·       Visit our website http://www.achilles-sydney.org.au
·      Visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AchillesSydney