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This March, United in Stride Ambassador Kath Geramita helped spark new energy in Seattle’s blind/low vision and sighted guide communities through two impactful outreach events. In collaboration with Ixchel, founder of the Free 2 Fly running group and a dedicated United in Stride member, and Jill from Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB), Kath co-led a guide training and a community resource event that brought together athletes, volunteers, and organizations committed to inclusion and movement. Both events were powered by support from Brooks Running, which provided visibility and space for these meaningful connections to unfold.

The first event, a guide training held in a rainy Seattle park, drew over 20 eager participants despite the weather. Kath and Ixchel led attendees through blindfolded, tethered running exercises and shared tips from their experiences as athletes and guides. The session not only trained new guides but also helped prepare for the second event by ensuring a pool of volunteers ready to support runners. The energy was palpable, with participants already asking when the next session would be.

A week later, the outreach event hosted by FFB at Brooks HQ welcomed members of the blind/low vision community to learn about local adaptive activities—from acroyoga to tandem cycling. United In Stride and Free 2 Fly capped off the day with a group run that included both seasoned and first-time guided runners. Conversations about guide gear, tether options, and shared challenges reminded everyone just how powerful it is to be surrounded by people who “get it.”

Together, these events reflected what makes United in Stride and the other programs that we collaborate with so special: community, empowerment, and the belief that movement should be accessible to all. Kath and these passionate community leaders—and their spirited collaboration—demonstrated that with the right support, anything truly is possible.