My 2020 Charity of Choice:
Achilles International

I hope you are doing well! This has been an incredibly difficult year and I hope you and your loved ones are getting through it okay.

As you may know, I had committed to run the 2020 Chicago Marathon and raise funds for a very special charity – Achilles International, an activities-based non-profit for children and adults with all types of disabilities including physical, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. To date, I have run 7 marathons in New York, Chicago and Berlin, Germany. And Achilles runners are by far, the most dedicated, most determined athletes on any course. I have the opportunity to talk with many of these folks and their stories are nothing short of amazing. Running a marathon is hard, running a marathon with a disability is true grit.
 
Due to COVID-19, races all over the world have been cancelled, including the 2020 Chicago Marathon. The race organizers have allowed deferrals to a future race. With your help, hopefully, I will run Chicago in 2021. 

What hasn’t been cancelled are the ongoing needs of Achilles members, many of whom are marginalized by our society and are at extreme risk for significant economic hardship, isolation, and negative health outcomes both mental and physical. Achilles programs remain active and focused on the wellbeing of their members around the U.S. and throughout the world during this very difficult time. Their needs are more urgent that ever before.
 
This is why I still plan to fulfill my commitment to raise a min. $2,000 for Achilles in 2020. It is also vital that I reach my goal in order to maintain my deferral status.
 
I need your help! 
 
For 2020, I’m STILL running the 2020 Chicago Marathon. However, because of COVID 19, I will be running this marathon virtually, meaning I'll be running 26.2 miles through the streets of Albany, NY (and the surrounding areas). 

In addition, I have decided to run a total of 691 miles for the athletes and guides of Achilles International. I will begin this journey on September 26, 2020. I have given myself 26 weeks to complete the total distance which will include running the 2020 Virtual Bank of American Marathon (26.2 miles).

So! Any donation amount would be greatly appreciated and will go to support to this great organization and their athletes. Perhaps you'd consider sponsoring a mile of my upcoming virtual marathon run. taking place the week of October 25? 

Maybe consider donating the cost of a latte – at approximately $5 per latte, or donating jus t$2.62 once a week for the next few weeks. It adds up quickly! And it would mean so much!
 
Here is a link to my fundraising page with details about Achilles: https://tinyurl.com/y7ggx2ym
 
Thank you! I appreciate your help! 
Very Sincerely, Coach Pilar
Read more about the Athletes Achilles International is helping every day below.