United in Stride (UIS) is an online database resource that unites sighted guides and Visually Impaired runners across North America using a zip code find a partner function. UIS was founded in 2015 by Richard Hunter, blind endurance athlete and advocate, and the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI). UIS believes that individuals with vision impairments in every community across the country would want to powerwalk, jog, and run if they had the necessary support and modeling. In addition to links to essential resources, the UIS homepage has a guide tutorial video with descriptive narration that is being used around the World.
United in Stride is partnering with Richard Hunter to serve as a regional mentor for those with vision impairments who want to use power walking, jogging, and running to improve their fitness.
While there are a small handful of opportunities nationally for VI marathoners and triathletes with the resources to travel to destination events to come together in the community, opportunities are nearly nonexistent at the local level.
UIS has found it empowering and inspiring to be part of an event with others with vision impairment. Not only does this experience provide opportunities for camaraderie, the encouragement, networking, and mentoring that takes place is life-changing. By expanding regional events, more VI can experience the benefits of being part of a community and increases the likelihood of ongoing engagement in fitness activities.
You can help United in Stride expand upon in-person regional opportunities and expand its resources to impact more people by making a tax-deductible donation below to the UIS host not-for-profit, the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
