Marilyn and Peter Ralston OAM

Running supporters of the vision impaired

2025 ACT Senior Australian of the Year Nominee

Peter Ralston OAM and his wife Marilyn Ralston have made it possible for people with vision impairment or other disabilities in the ACT to walk or run at mainstream events and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.    

Peter is founder and president of Achilles Running Club Canberra, which he and Marilyn began in 2013. Volunteer guides team up with people with disability at fun runs, club training and the weekly parkrun.  

In the past three years, Peter has guided blind athletes 120 times at parkrun, and Achilles Canberra has enabled several blind members to each achieve hundreds of parkruns. Peter and Marilyn also serve the community, Peter as a member of Lions Club of Canberra Belconnen and Marilyn at St John’s Care, Reid.   

In recognition of his service to sport for people who are blind or have low vision, Peter was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2020.