Legally blind runner finishes 26th marathon at Cincinnati’s Flying Pig
Rich Hunter, a runner from California, just finished his 26th marathon at Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon.
Hunter is legally blind. He says his sight is just a little bit better than light perception.
He founded the group United in Stride, which is a tool for uniting visually impaired runners and sighted guides. MORE
Chaz Davis is out to prove anything’s possible for runners with visual impairments
Michael Wardian knows a thing or two about marathons. Since 1996, he’s run in hundreds. He even broke a world record for running one while pushing a stroller. But nothing, he says, compares to guiding four-time blind national champion Chaz Davis on a marathon course.
“It’s narrating for four or five hours before, during, and after the race,” said Wardian, an ultra-marathon runner. “You’re telling him, ‘Okay, we’re in the first corral. Now we’re 50 feet away from the start. There are 70 people around you and there’s a hill coming up.’”
All while trying to keep a 2-hour, 30-minute pace. MORE…
A vision to accomplish their goals: First blind team to compete in Hood to Coast
Team of blind runners joins Hood To Coast relay this year
PORTLAND, Ore. — There will be a first at the Hood to Coast relay this year: A full team of blind or visually impaired runners will take to the course.
They will find their way with the help of running guides. The team is named “United in Stride Blind Runners”, because the runners and guides come together through an online database on the United in Stride website.
This Eye Surgeon is Guiding Blind Runners Through the Oregon Mountains
Vivienne Hau fixes retinas by day; now, she’s co-captain of the first-ever visually impaired Hood to Coast Relay team.
On Friday, Hau—with Hunter—is leading the first team of visually impaired runners and guides at the Hood to Coast Relay, an overnight event in Oregon that starts at the base of Mt. Hood and finishes at Seaside. Twenty blind and sighted athletes will cram into two 15-passenger vans, taking turns running three to four legs each of the 199-mile course.
Along the way, they’ll raise funds and awareness for United in Stride, the website Hunter developed that matches sighted runners and those in need of guides nationwide.
How I Got My Running Mojo Back After Sight Loss
Seven years ago I was diagnosed with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy after losing central vision within six months. Losing vision is extremely difficult. I had so many good days, but so many bad days too. I knew it was important for me to continue to do what I love – to stay active! …After losing vision, I was introduced to the Achilles International running group. This was a game-changer! I learned about running with a guide and the opportunities for me exploded. I started meeting new guides and created this amazing network of guides…There are some amazing resources out there to find guides but the one I always go to first is United in Stride. United in Stride is an awesome resource where blind/visually impaired runners can type in their zip code and find sighted guides! Likewise, sighted guides can go and register making themselves available to guide. I count on this United in Stride to help me find guides to train for the events that make a positive impact in my life – California International Marathon, Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon – and the list continues!
Scott Jurek to guide Western States’ first legally blind racer
Running Magazine-Jun 25, 2019 – Kyle Robidoux, 43, of Roxbury, Mass. is set to race the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run in California, which starts Saturday morning.
I Was Able To Do It’: How Nick Silver Kept Running As He Lost His Eyesight
WBUR–May 3, 2019 – But until last year, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep running. …. Years earlier, Silver had been looking for a running guide in St. Louis. He posted on a website called United in Stride. But there weren’t many registered runners in his area, and he never actually connected with any guides..
He’s legally blind — and running in the SLO Ultra 50k trail race
Kyle Robidoux considers his first trip to San Luis Obispo to be equal parts work and play.
The 42-year-old Boston native is among the hundreds of running enthusiasts who have descended upon the Central Coast this week for the sixth annual U.S. Trail Running Conference…Those interested in becoming or being matched with a sighted guide can visit unitedinstride.com for more information.
Disney World Marathon: Visually impaired runner, guide build unique bond
CLERMONT — When Charlie St.Cyr-Paul agreed to become a guide for a disabled runner, he was as much in the dark as Chris Lancaster is daily.
St.Cyr-Paul attempted to find information online about what being a guide entailed. Nothing. So the music producer from Orlando drove to Lake County and ran with his eyes closed, a visualization exercise in reverse. “You should try it sometime,” St.Cyr-Paul said. “In about five seconds, I wanted to throw up. I was so nervous and terrified, and I kept doing it and doing it.
