Blind Road Races Make Strides
Competitive Options Increase for Blind, Visually Impaired Runners
Jun 16, 2008
Blind runner Marla Runyon proved you don’t have to see the tape in order to break it. But until she made the US Olympic team in 2000, blind running had no season, no community.
It’s starting to now, with the help of these events, which, in addition to competition, provide the blind and visually impaired accessible recreation options such as jogging and walking.
Boston Marathon (Hopkinton, Mass.)
The Boston Marathon, which takes place in April, is the most renowned road race in the world, and the only marathon with a Visually Handicapped division. The qualifying time is 5 hours. Runners should bring their own guides, though the Boston Athletic Association will try to provide them, if needed. The Massachusetts Association of the Blind (MAB) also extends race numbers to runners and guides who meet fundraising goals. Crystal bowls go to the top three finishers.
Vision 5K (Boston, Mass.)
The Vision 5K is the United States Association of Blind Athletes’ (USABA) national 5K-road race championship for blind and visually impaired runners. It’s a fast double loop through Back Bay, the flatness usually nullified by June heat and humidity. Each male and female winner gets $1,500; finishers 2-5 also win prize money. The race draws elite blind runners from France, Kenya, Mexico, and the United States. Another signature element is the many sighted runners and CEOs who take the “blindfold challenge,” and experience running a 5K with a sighted guide. The event began in 2007, broadening the former Team With a Vision 5K, launched in 2001.
Stampede for VIPS (Louisville, Ken.)
Another 5K offering prize money and attracting elite blind and visually impaired runners is the Stampede for VIPS (Visually Impaired Preschool Services) in Louisville, Kentucky. The sixth annual race takes place September 6th, 2008 at the Waterfront Plaza at 9:00 PM. Besides its night start, the Stampede features a unique out-and-back course under the lights of the mile-long Second Street Bridge (separating Louisville from Jeffersonville, Ind.). The race features individual age group categories from 1 to 26, and a division for parents of visually impaired children. Contact Heather Benson at VIPS at 502.636.3207 for details. The Stampede’s race director is Bellarmine University and USABA track coach Jim Vargo, who can be reached at 502.452.8042.
USABA Track & Field Team (Colorado Springs, Col.)
Another vital resource is the USABA, which offers sports camps, clinics, and competitions for runners and track and field seeking to develop their talents with an eye towards the Paralympics. The 2008 USABA Emerging Athlete Training Camp takes place July 22-24 in Colorado Springs. The US Paralympic High Performance Training Plan, complete national track and road race records, and schedules for regional camps are available on the USABA website. Contact Jim Vargo (502.452.8042) for more information.
