05/08/2026
With much appreciation to our sponsor, Achilles International was invited to participate in the Rock The Ridge 50 mile ultra running event.
The event was divided into three events: a full 50-mile run, a marathon run, and a 50 mile relay run, which Achilles participated in.
This was the first time athletes with disabilities participated in Rock The Ridge.
Ahletes and guides teamed up to do the four-leg relay race as follows.
1st leg Ben ran solo, 13.2 miles.
2nd leg Mauricio & David, 13.3 miles
3rd leg Morgan & Chandler, 13.1 miles
4th leg Matt & Max 10.4 miles.
The course was run on carriage roads.
With a total elevation gain and loss of approximately 4,619 feet.
The steep incline and decline of the hills on the heavy gravel carriage roads tested our strength and resilience.
Each athlete and guide were challenged in their own unique way.
Every hill summit revealed the beautiful landscapes of the valleys below.
The spectacular views were my reward, motivating me to continue my journey.
Overall, it took the energy equivalent of a marathon, full bursts of resilience, and the dedicated support of David to complete my portion of the relay.
After Matt and Max crossed the finish line on the 4th leg of the relay, there was a huge sense of accomplishment and cheers of congratulations among us all.
The overall clock time for our relay team was 10:58:33 *GO ACHILLES* !!!
Congratulations goes out to Achiles guide Erika Citrin for completing the full 50 mile race.
A new group of friends in the ultra running community has emerged that are welcoming and supportive of one another.
I welcome the new friends and the new challenges in ultra running.
As part of the four-person relay team of athletes with disabilities, I want to thank the Rock The Ridge 50 Mile Organization for the opportunity to once again prove to myself and demonstrate to others the will, strength, and resilience that people with disabilities have within.
I'll be back!
