Celebrating Disability Pride Month

The world is rich with diversity, which is reflected in the observances and recognitions celebrated by its various cultures, religions, and populations.

These are a few observances in July, from local to international:

• Disability Pride Month
• BIPOC Mental Health Month
• International Nonbinary People’s Day
• Disability Independence Day

Disability Pride Month is celebrated each July to commemorate the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. At New York Road Runners, we celebrate our advocacy and support of athletes with disabilities and our longtime partnership with Achilles International.

Panel Events Highlighting the Importance of Inclusivity in Sports

This week, New York Road Runners hosted two panel events to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June and Disability Pride Month in July. On Monday, Achilles International, TD, and New York Road Runners led the “Investing in Race Day: Saving Up to Go the Distance” panel featuring an engaging discussion about how runners can prepare physically, financially, and mentally for a big race.

My Journey to the Start: From One Step to One Mile

In this episode of My Journey to the Start we filmed Becky Curran, a woman with dwarfism, as she prepared for her very first race at the 2025 New Balance 5th Avenue Mile. This milestone was the first step on her road to recovering from the challenges of spinal stenosis and her journey toward running a 5K. Watch the video to witness Becky's joy, determination, and perseverance.

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.

How Achilles International Is Transforming Lives Through Running

Ahead of the 2025 Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M Presented by TD Bank, this panel set the stage with powerful stories from Achilles International members who shared powerful stories of resilience, community, and the life changing impact of running and racing. From rebuilding confidence after trauma to discovering strength through adaptive sports, these athletes opened up about overcoming obstacles with the support of Achilles and each other.

Running Into the Light: An Amputee Finds Confidence Through Achilles International

"Finding Achilles has just been a massive life changer. It's got me into running, which has given me a huge amount of confidence and sense of accomplishment."

Ben Simmons used to run at night because he didn’t want to be seen. As an amputee, he hid his strength in the dark. Joining Achilles International helped him find the confidence to run no matter what because no one should ever have to hide to belong.

Making Space for All

New York Road Runners was founded as an inclusive running organization welcoming all races, genders, and abilities.

June is a special month for celebrating the diversity and inclusivity of our running community as we stage three iconic races: the Mastercard New York Mini 10K, the Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run® 4M, and the Achilles Hope & Possibility® 4M Presented by TD Bank.

Learn more about how these races and other inclusive events, programs, and initiatives make space for all.

NYRR Expands Accessibility Initiatives

At New York Road Runners, we continue to expand our efforts toward disability inclusion to further comply with city, state, and federal mandates.

Set the Pace: How ADA Hero Deborah McFadden Paved the Way for Disability Equality

Deborah McFadden is a trailblazer in disability rights who played a key role in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Deborah became determined to fight for disability equality and was later appointed U.S. Commissioner of Disabilities under President George H.W. Bush. She's also the mother of Paralympic athletes Tatyana and Hannah McFadden.

Set the Pace: Pushing the Limits of Adaptive Training with Peloton Instructor Logan Aldridge

Peloton Interactive Instructor Logan Aldridge opens up about the tragic wakeboarding accident that led to him losing his left arm when he was just 13 years old. Inspired to be the best he could be physically, he started working out regularly, adapting exercises along the way and now he empowers others to find ways to adapt.

Michael Ring's Journey with GBS

In 2014, Michael Ring was diagnosed with acute motor axonal neuropathy, a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Though his 10-year recovery has been full of challenges, Michael retains his energy, optimism, and sense of humor.

"I Would Love Every Person with a Disability to Be Proud of Who They Are"

Susannah Scaroni has won six editions of the Mastercard New York Mini 10K's wheelchair division. She's also been a Run for the Future Ambassador, working with participants in NYRR’s free running and wellness program for New York City high school girls.

"What Can I Do for Others?"

Dick Traum lost his right leg in an accident when he was 24. Traum, who died in 2024, was the first known amputee runner to complete a marathon, and founded Achilles International. The race bib for the 2024 Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M Presented by TD Bank was a tribute to Traum.

NYRR's History of Advocacy and Support of Athletes with Disabilities

New York Road Runners has a long history of inclusion of athletes with disabilities in our races and programs and a decades-long partnership with Achilles International, an organization that provides a community of support.