We were lucky to catch up with Sara Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

My journey with Achilles International began in 2012, fueled by a foundation laid long before I ever hit the pavement. Growing up with parents in special education, I was fortunate to have advocates who understood the “science of the system.” They secured the right therapies early on and, more importantly, instilled in me a mindset that my challenges were never limited. Because of them, I grew up knowing that my ceiling for achievement simply doesn’t exist.

That philosophy turned into action when I joined Achilles. I started competing in 5Ks using a reverse walker, eventually transitioned to handcycle training, and have since been proud to cross the finish line of five marathons.

My passion for this community eventually followed me into the classroom. While earning my degree in English from Maryville University, I focused my research on the tangible physical and mental health benefits of running for people with disabilities. This academic return sharpened my perspective, allowing me to pair seven years of local experience with data-backed advocacy for athlete wellness.

When the national headquarters needed support, I felt uniquely prepared to step up. Today, I am honored to serve as the U.S. Regional Manager, overseeing the growth and strategy of our chapters nationwide. I am incredibly excited to use this platform to scale our impact, ensuring that every athlete—regardless of their starting point—has the resources and motivation to pursue an active, fulfilling lifestyle and reach their full potential.

Sara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Achilles International is a global non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connections. By pairing athletes with disabilities with volunteer guides, they break down the barriers to physical activity—specializing in mainstream running events, walking, and adaptive cycling. Their mission centers on the idea that “disability” does not mean “inability.”
My career began in the heart of the community as a part-time Assistant Chapter Lead, a role that required me to be a “jack-of-all-trades.” From managing complex athlete race registrations to building the chapter’s website from scratch, I learned the operational nuts and bolts of adaptive sports. While I may be a slow runner myself, I discovered a profound passion for helping others succeed. This experience taught me that for people with disabilities, crossing a finish line is about much more than physical exercise; it is a vital tool for overcoming the isolation and sedentary lifestyle that many face.
Recently, my perspective was further sharpened by my return to English studies, during which I researched the significant physical and mental health benefits of running for the disability community. Armed with both seven years of local experience and a data-backed advocacy for athlete wellness, I stepped up when the national headquarters needed support. I am now honored to serve as the U.S. Regional Manager, overseeing the growth and strategy of our chapters nationwide. I am incredibly excited to use this platform to scale our impact, ensuring that more athletes across the country have the resources they need to stay active and achieve their goals.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

No, I honestly don’t think I would.

While the path I took gave me the skills and perspective I have today, my journey into the disability community has fundamentally shifted my “North Star.” If I were starting over with the heart and knowledge I have now, I would likely steer my career toward something that aligns more closely with Achilles International’s mission.

Living as part of the disability community isn’t just a personal identity; it’s a masterclass in resilience and adaptive problem-solving. It changes how you see the world—moving from a focus on “fixing” to a focus on empowerment and inclusion. I find myself drawn more to the “neon yellow” community, which serves as a powerful antidote to the isolation often experienced by those with disabilities.

By pairing adaptive athletes with volunteer guides, Achilles fosters a unique, symbiotic bond where the focus shifts from what an individual lacks to what the team can achieve together. This environment doesn’t just build physical endurance; it builds the social capital and self-advocacy necessary to navigate a world that isn’t always designed for accessibility. Ultimately, Achilles isn’t just about crossing a finish line—it is about ensuring that every individual, regardless of their starting point, has a community behind them to celebrate their strength and validate their place in the mainstream of life.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I know the standard move is to recommend a trendy business book, but I wanted to share something different. My favorite read recently was Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon.

It’s an exploration of families dealing with ‘difference’ and how they navigate identity. To be honest, it really impacted me to see the stark contrast between those who have support and those who don’t. It’s a heartbreaking but vital look at how hard people have to struggle when society doesn’t provide the right services. It definitely changed the way I think about advocacy and community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraharrisleb/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizzybstart