News & Stories

News and Stories

Check out our latest news and media coverage to learn more about our members and community and how United In Stride is breaking down barriers for individuals with visual impairments.

Will Barkan and his guide cross the finish line of a running event

Western States runner aims to become first visually impaired finisher

One competitor has a chance to make history at this year’s Western States Endurance Run, and all he has to do is cross the finish line at Placer High School. Of course, that is easier said than done, as the 100-mile course is as unforgiving as they come, but Mill Valley’s Will Barkan is determined to become the first visually impaired runner to finish the world’s oldest ultramarathon.

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Two people standing together with the words "MAJORs Magaine" above them. Text reads "Over Land And Sea: Separated by an ocean, united by the Majors. A Six Start story like no other."

Overland and Sea: Separated by an ocean, united by the Majors. A Six Star story like no other.

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David Han in a white post-marathon wrap with two other runners inside a tent after the Boston Marathon

United In Stride Opens David Han’s Eyes To New Horizons

In 2014, a mentor connected David Han, who has been blind since birth, with the founder of United In Stride (UIS), Richard Hunter. That connection changed David’s life.

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Two runners connected by a tether during the Boston Marathon

Daughter guides visually impaired dad through Boston Marathon

United In Stride founder, Richard Hunter, and his daughter/guide, Kiersten, describe their experience running the Boston Marathon together.

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Scott Jurek talks about his experience as a guide and United In Stride

Scott Jurek on United In Stride

Ultramarathoner Scott Jurek talks about his involvement with the blind and visually impaired community and why he is passionate about being a guide.

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Visually Impaired runner Roger Oberholzer and his guide running with a tether at the California International Marathon.

The effort helping visually impaired athletes run the California International Marathon

Five years ago, Roger Oberholzer decided to run a marathon for the first time. He has now run the California International Marathon five times, including this year. To help him run, he has a guide by his side every step of the way.

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Anthony Butler and his guide wearing their London Marathon and Abbot World Major Medals at the finish of the London Marathon.

American runner thought to be first visually impaired athlete to complete 6 World Marathon Majors

After the London Marathon in April, United In Stride user Anthony Butler became the first American visually impaired runner and potentially first visually impaired runner ever to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors.

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Richard Hunter wearing blind vest with arm triumphantly in air running with a guide.

Running with RP: A guide to fostering hope

Richard Hunter, renowned endurance athlete and co-founder of United In Stride program, shares his mission to keep running while living with blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa, and helping others to do the same.

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Rich Hunter headshot.

Legally blind runner finishes 26th marathon at Cincinnati’s Flying Pig

Richard Hunter, a visually impaired runner from California and co-founder of United In Stride has finished his 26th marathon at Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon

Video Interview

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Our Community

United In Stride serves not only as a platform for connecting visually impaired walkers, joggers, and runners of all levels with guides, it is a way to build friendships, bonds, and community. Check out what we’re up to through our Instagram feed!

You can also find us on Facebook and YouTube!

Congratulations to @blindmomtherunner , the winner of our June/July Social Media Challenge! We`ve been inspired to see your adventures with many guides across many activities!

Our other winners are @c26coachjeremyscherer for documenting his journey to the Detroit Free Press Marathon as a guide for his friend Camilo, and @camp_abilities_texas for their highlight of their guiding programs for youth!

Congratulations to ALL winners, and please remember to send us a message to claim your UIS gear prize!

We`ll be running frequent giveaways, so make sure to keep posting your UIS adventures and remember to tag us in order to receive your gear and get featured on our feed! Happy trails everyone!

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Congratulations to @blindmomtherunner , the winner of our June/July Social Media Challenge! We've been inspired to see your adventures with many guides across many activities! Our other winners are @c26coachjeremyscherer for documenting his journey to the Detroit Free Press Marathon as a guide for his friend Camilo, and @camp_abilities_texas for their highlight of their guiding programs for youth! Congratulations to ALL winners, and please remember to send us a message to claim your UIS gear prize! We'll be running frequent giveaways, so make sure to keep posting your UIS adventures and remember to tag us in order to receive your gear and get featured on our feed! Happy trails everyone!

Join us in celebrating United in Stride member Will Barkan for his running in the Western States 100 this weekend! This is a huge accomplishment and we`re so thrilled to support him!

Read more about his story at the link in our bio!

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Join us in celebrating United in Stride member Will Barkan for his running in the Western States 100 this weekend! This is a huge accomplishment and we're so thrilled to support him! Read more about his story at the link in our bio!

We`re thrilled to see two United in Stride members featured in the last latest issue of MAJORS magazine!

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We're thrilled to see two United in Stride members featured in the last latest issue of MAJORS magazine!

In case you missed it in our newsletter last week, we have a contest going on this month! During the month of June, three UIS members who share on social media their United in Stride stories about connecting with other UIS members will receive a UIS running cap and shirt! Post on Facebook or Instagram and tag us!

And if you`d like to subscribe to our newsletter, you can subscribe here: https://bit.ly/3KI6qAA

Image description: A navy-blue t-shirt with the logo and text "UNITED IN STRIDE" in white and light blue. Above the t-shirt, there is a white sports cap with a similar logo and the same text on its brim. There is also a blue tether visible with the same branding.

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In case you missed it in our newsletter last week, we have a contest going on this month! During the month of June, three UIS members who share on social media their United in Stride stories about connecting with other UIS members will receive a UIS running cap and shirt! Post on Facebook or Instagram and tag us! And if you'd like to subscribe to our newsletter, you can subscribe here: https://bit.ly/3KI6qAA Image description: A navy-blue t-shirt with the logo and text "UNITED IN STRIDE" in white and light blue. Above the t-shirt, there is a white sports cap with a similar logo and the same text on its brim. There is also a blue tether visible with the same branding.

We thank City of Boston Councilor @gigi4distrcit1 (District 1) for generously donating a Boston Marathon invitational bib to @the_mabvi `s @teamwithavision. Kiersten Mosbacher accepted this year`s bib and guided her blind father Richard Hunter during the Boston Marathon for the first time. Not only did they run a great race, they also raised more than $41,000 for MABVI`s @unitedinstride program! Richard founded United In Stride to connect visually impaired athletes with guides at no cost to them. Please join us in thanking Councilor Coletta, Kiersten, and Richard for their generosity!

Learn more and sign up as an athlete or guide at the link in our bio!

Photo: @darlafoto

[Image description: Two marathon runners with numbered bibs race along a barricaded urban course with spectators in the background. One runner waves to the camera as they are running by. There`s visible text on the bibs reading "United in Stride."]

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We thank City of Boston Councilor @gigi4distrcit1 (District 1) for generously donating a Boston Marathon invitational bib to @the_mabvi 's @teamwithavision. Kiersten Mosbacher accepted this year's bib and guided her blind father Richard Hunter during the Boston Marathon for the first time. Not only did they run a great race, they also raised more than $41,000 for MABVI's @unitedinstride program! Richard founded United In Stride to connect visually impaired athletes with guides at no cost to them. Please join us in thanking Councilor Coletta, Kiersten, and Richard for their generosity! Learn more and sign up as an athlete or guide at the link in our bio! Photo: @darlafoto [Image description: Two marathon runners with numbered bibs race along a barricaded urban course with spectators in the background. One runner waves to the camera as they are running by. There's visible text on the bibs reading "United in Stride."]

We love it when United in Stride members meet up to run together and we love sharing their stories! Visually impaired runner Corvin Bazgan and crew below grabbed this great picture after a trail run together in Marin, CA! We love the hats!

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We love it when United in Stride members meet up to run together and we love sharing their stories! Visually impaired runner Corvin Bazgan and crew below grabbed this great picture after a trail run together in Marin, CA! We love the hats!

We want to send a big congratulations to visually impaired walker Jackie Young and her daughter (and guide!) Susan Grinstead for completing their first United in Stride event together this past Sunday, June 2nd at the Kaiser Permanente Women`s Fitness Festival! Our founder, Richard Hunter, was able to celebrate with them at the event.

[Image description: Three adults stand in front of the California State Capitol, smiling after a race, wearing medals and race bibs. The scene is lively with other participants and event tents in the background.]

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We want to send a big congratulations to visually impaired walker Jackie Young and her daughter (and guide!) Susan Grinstead for completing their first United in Stride event together this past Sunday, June 2nd at the Kaiser Permanente Women's Fitness Festival! Our founder, Richard Hunter, was able to celebrate with them at the event. [Image description: Three adults stand in front of the California State Capitol, smiling after a race, wearing medals and race bibs. The scene is lively with other participants and event tents in the background.]

Wednesday, June 5th is Global Running Day! We`re celebrating by looking back on our history of supporting blind and visually impaired runners through Team with a Vision (MABVI`s Boston Marathon team) and United in Stride, which connects blind and visually impaired runners with sighted guides in the United States and Canada. We look forward to our future of running and celebrating movement together!

Images featuring @alexipappas @modernbnb @jennifer.herring.102674 and @fly.joyce

Photos: Darlene DeVita

[Image Description: Collage for Global Running Day featuring three images of people participating in races, wearing bibs and race gear, smiling. Top right image shows two runners with bib numbers 6120 and 9311. Bottom left image displays a runner waving happily. Bottom right image shows three individuals wearing medals, one holding a `GUIDE` sign. Center text reads "GLOBAL RUNNING DAY 06.05. TEAM WITH A VISION UNITED IN STRIDE.]

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Wednesday, June 5th is Global Running Day! We're celebrating by looking back on our history of supporting blind and visually impaired runners through Team with a Vision (MABVI's Boston Marathon team) and United in Stride, which connects blind and visually impaired runners with sighted guides in the United States and Canada. We look forward to our future of running and celebrating movement together! Images featuring @alexipappas @modernbnb @jennifer.herring.102674 and @fly.joyce Photos: Darlene DeVita [Image Description: Collage for Global Running Day featuring three images of people participating in races, wearing bibs and race gear, smiling. Top right image shows two runners with bib numbers 6120 and 9311. Bottom left image displays a runner waving happily. Bottom right image shows three individuals wearing medals, one holding a 'GUIDE' sign. Center text reads "GLOBAL RUNNING DAY 06.05. TEAM WITH A VISION UNITED IN STRIDE.]

Testimonials

Finding the right partner can be challenging, and incredibly rewarding for visually impaired individuals and guides alike. Check out what some of our members have to say about their experiences!

“Guide runners are my eyes. I trust them, as they tell me everything I need to know along our path. I am a visually impaired runner, and a happy runner.”
Jessica L.
Blind/VI
Denver, CO
“Being able to participate as a guide absolutely reinvigorated my passion to run. I am now able to enjoy the sport I love more than ever, while making it possible for a visually impaired athlete to do the same. WIN-WIN.”
Sydney F.
Guide
Franklin, MI
“Guiding has brought me such pleasure in a sport I have come to love over the past four years. I want to help anyone I can to accomplish their goals, from sprints to half’s and any training in between. Let’s have some fun!”
Ed C.
Guide
Rumford, RI
“Though most guides humbly disagree, I consider guiding to be a purely selfless act. I mean, they give up their own race – while still taking on all of the same effort – simply to allow me to race. Just incredible people.”
Erich M.
Blind/VI
Littleton, MA
“Guiding a blind athlete opened my eyes to a whole new dimension in the sport of triathlon. I was apprehensive about it at first but learning to work together and be that much more attentive on the course has helped me view racing in a while new light.”
Matt S.
Guide
“Since going blind, I’ve looked for a way to push myself physically while staying safe. About a half-mile into my first run with a guide I knew I’d found it! More importantly, I’ve found a greater confidence in and respect for myself.”
Kate K.
Blind/VI
Watertown, MA
“Without a guide, I could only run slowly and cautiously. I could not keep up with other runners. With a guide, I can run a faster pace. I can join group runs and run competitively in races. I can challenge my athletic ability. This opens up a new world of possibilities!”
Joyce C.
Blind/VI
Acton, MA
“The idea that I could help someone while doing something that’s also good for myself physically and mentally seemed like a no brainer. Heck why aren’t more people doing it!?”
Andrea C.
Guide
Maynard, MA
“Guiding takes the “self” out of racing and makes it the ultimate team effort. None of the races I have completed as an individual compare to the feeling I get when I cross the finish line with a visually impaired athlete. There’s nothing better than knowing that you helped another person accomplish their goal.”
Caroline G.
Guide
Austin, TX
“Running guides have made a huge impact in my life. Not only do they generously donate their time and effort to assist me at any event, but they also pace me and motivate me to compete at a high level.”
Adrian B
Blind/VI
Los Angeles, CA
“The impact and difference guides have made in my life allow me to enjoy the freedom to train and run outdoors, participate in events, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. From each experience, a unique friendship forms, reminding me that the possibilities ahead are endless, as long as I take that first step forward!”
Dave B
Blind/VI
Tallahassee, FL
“I thought that guiding a visually impaired runner would be a unique opportunity to share the ultimate expression of independence that has been so meaningful to me. I was paired with an incredible athlete who inspired me not only with his athletic performance, but his passion and joy for the sport. Best of all, we’ve developed a strong bond and long-lasting friendship.”
Chad C.
Guide
“Guides have given me the opportunity fulfil my passion of running, for without their kindness there would be no running. They have also provided me with encouragement, motivation, and inspiration to push myself beyond what I thought I could do.”
Richard M.
Blind/VI
Ottawa, Canada
“I love to run, and my guides make it possible.”
Dan B.
Blind/VI
Fort Collins, CO
“Without my many guides, running would be a solitary slog on a treadmill. With them, my running is a chance to make new friends, to race, and to be a part of a great community. In short, because of my guides, running brings joy and freedom.”
Tina A.
Blind/VI
Alexandria, VA
“As a guide, you are able to give back to the sport(s) by giving those with vision loss a chance to do what brings us so much joy, and that we sometimes take for granted. I will do whatever I can to make sure that I participate year in and year out as a guide for visually impaired runners!”
Chris S.
Guide
Folsom, CA
“Guiding a visually impaired runner has put new meaning into running. Sharing the Boston Marathon with a visually impaired runner is one of the highlights of my running career. It wasn’t about what I could do for her, but what she did for me. I’ll never forget it.”
Tracy W.
Guide
Meridian, ID
“Without a guide, every pothole, crack, curb, or branch could end my run. Every slight direction choice, adjustment, and verbal warning are the essential gifts which give me freedom to run. The only greater gift is the kindness and choice of my wonderful guides to make this possible each and every time we become a team.”
Randy P.
Blind/VI
Nashua, NH
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