Lima Half Marathon: Achilles Peru promotes inclusion and empathy through sports.

In the context of the 115th edition of the Lima Half Marathon, taking place this Sunday, August 25, a powerful message about inclusion and empathy through sport rises. Achilles Peru, an organization dedicated to supporting athletes with visual and physical disabilities, will be present with a team of ten athletes who, alongside volunteer guides, will demonstrate that the true meaning of running goes beyond reaching a finish line: it is about uniting hearts and breaking down social barriers. Claudia Gamarra, director of Achilles Peru, emphasizes the importance of their work in promoting sport as a vehicle for inclusion. "When our kids come here, they feel like they have a family with whom to enjoy and share cultural knowledge," she states. The dynamics of this community transcends mere competition; it is about creating a safe and welcoming space where each member can express themselves freely and forge meaningful connections. The organization, which has an average of 20 active individuals among athletes, guides, and volunteers, has been operating for six years under the philosophy of Achilles International, which advocates for an inclusive approach in countries around the world. Claudia highlights that inclusion is a fundamental value that must be promoted in all areas of life. "I have been unfortunate enough to meet people who are not empathetic; the lack of accessibility and understanding is a constant challenge for many," she says, recalling the multiple difficulties faced by people with disabilities in their daily lives. Achilles Peru's participation in the Lima Half Marathon is not just a sporting event. It is a platform to highlight the need for empathy towards those living with some form of disability. Claudia reveals that after the marathon, the organization’s next goal is to participate in the Viña del Mar Marathon in Chile, demonstrating their desire to expand their message and community. The testimonies from the guides and athletes of Achilles Peru provide a unique perspective on what it means to be part of this wonderful community. One guide describes the connection established while running alongside an athlete with visual impairment. "My hands, joined to the strap, move to create a path that my friend makes his own. It’s a dance of trust and communication, where every movement matters," he shares. For him, the experience goes beyond the simple act of running; it is a way of life that demands focus and commitment. Another guide highlights the beauty of teamwork: "The hardest part is maintaining concentration and strategy, but the most rewarding part is knowing that with my eyes and my voice, we can run together. We regulate each other, trust one another, and that makes us one." The synergy created between guide and athlete is an example of the power that sport has to bring people together, regardless of their abilities. Meanwhile, the athletes also express their gratitude for the opportunity to participate and for the support they receive. "I am part of this organization because I want to show that there are no limits to what we can achieve together," says one of them. This statement resonates with the inclusive character that Achilles Peru seeks to promote in every competition. Achilles Peru's commitment is not limited to sporting events; it also extends to education and raising awareness about inclusion. Claudia and her team are determined to change the narrative surrounding disability, advocating for a world where every person has the same opportunities, regardless of their physical or sensory limitations. Achilles Peru's efforts are an inspiring reminder that inclusion is a collective responsibility. As the athletes prepare for the Lima Half Marathon, the message is clear: every step they take is a step towards equality and an invitation to society to join in the fight for a more empathetic world. This Sunday, more than just a race, they will run for hope, for inclusion, and for a future where everyone can cross the finish line together.