Mark Boon

Mark Boon’s journey into running wasn’t something he set out to do. It began unexpectedly in June 2019, while attending a speech by an old friend who was unwell.

Something about that moment made him think, “Why not?” Two months later, he found himself volunteering with Achilles New Zealand, and everything changed.He got started through a family acquaintance and was soon encouraged by a friend to guide an athlete named Mike.

Mark decided to give it a crack, went down to check it out, and quickly got involved.What started as curiosity turned into commitment. He began running regularly with Mike Asmussen, attending Achilles sessions, and helping others in the process.

“You forget yourself, how much those moments truly mattered,” he says.It became more than just running—it became a way to give back and feel part of something real. Mike, he says, was “their guy,” and guiding him was what opened the door to longer races like half marathons.

Susan Craig

Susan has been a part of the guiding team at the Dunedin chapter of Achilles since they relaunched in October of 2024."It’s been a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience spending time with, and learning from, our athletes" 

Susan says."Only a couple of weeks after we started, I was asked to guide my first blind athlete.I was very lucky to guide a chap, with a tether, who had been guided many times before.

Michael was chatty and patient and encouraging, and I soon realised that to guide someone you must be 100% aware of your surroundings at all times and make them aware of any obstacles, changes in terrain and changes in direction clearly and quickly.

Poor Michael nearly had a bush slap him in the face within the first five minutes of our walk but I haven’t fallen in to that trap again."

Not disheartened by the first test, Susan has thrown herself back into guiding, not just Michael but also expanding to working with a young woman. 

Joining the Achilles crew has been "brilliant" for her – she loves spending time with like-minded people, some of whom she knew prior to the chapter’s relaunch, and some of whom she has only just met.