Races

Visual Classification for Races

B1/T11: Possessing no light perception in either eye up to light perception, but inability to recognize the shape of a hand at any distance or in any direction.

B2/T12: From ability to recognize the shape of a hand up to visual acuity of 20/600 and/or a visual field of less than five degrees in the better eye with the best practical eye correction.

B3/T13: From visual acuity above 20/600 and up to visual acuity of 20/200 and/or a visual field of less than 20 degrees and more than five degrees in the better eye with the best practical eye correction.

Guide Policies at Races

Blind/visually impaired athletes and their guides are encouraged to contact the race organizer prior to registering for the race so they know how the guide registration will be managed.

Guides should be required to complete a race day liability waiver form for the event. Race organizers typically allow guides to participate in events free of charge. After all, the guide is there to support their VI athlete and is not an independent runner.

Please note, this is an accommodation that race organizers are making and guides will not be entitled to an individual finish time, race shirt, etc. It is certainly appropriate to ask for these things up front, but this is not routine.

For longer events, it is common for races to allow for a relay of guides. Be sure to discuss with the race organizer well in advance about the number of acceptable guides and exchange points along the course.

Additional Para/Adaptive Organizations

View a list of Additional Organizations that support visually impaired and other para/adaptive athletes at races and events around the country!

Information for Race Directors

Interested in adding a Visually Impaired division to your race? Find our more information to get you started: Race Director Information

Resources

Looking for helpful tips on how to communicate and reach out to other members? Or how to safely guide a visually impaired walker or runner? Check out our resource pages and find additional information such as VI race classifications and gear to keep you visible to others.

UIS Best Practices

Person wearing a reflective vest holding a bullhorn.

Building Your Network

Visually Impaired runner and two guides drinking water during a race.

Guiding 101

Blind runner and guide holding a tether.

Races

Person walking on a treadmill.

Additional Resources

United In Stride printed tshirt, running hat, and handheld tether.

Contact Us

Reach out to us on our contact page.

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