A new nonprofit in Queens is going the extra mile to help local athletes with disabilities cross the finish line.
Achilles International has opened a chapter in Queens.
The goal of the organization is to get locals with disabilities in mainstream running events.
"Anyone who wants to train for a marathon or a half marathon, if you have that drive to do it, you'll do it and these guys all have that drive and that desire to do things. They're just like everyone else," said Wendy Phaff, the chapter founder of Achilles International Queens, while describing participants during a guided run.
On Sundays volunteers accompany and guide participants on a run to prepare them for upcoming marathons.
"They just help me running. I have a guide every week, so without a guide I wouldn't be able to run," said participant Jenny Hwang.
The Queens chapter is the part of Achilles International, which has chapters all over the world.
The organization helps those with all kinds of disabilities including brain injuries, blindness and amputees.
Those interested in participating or volunteering with the group should go to http://achillesqueens.org/ for more information.