Testimonials

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, a happy runner, and someday soon… A marathon runner.

Jessica Loomer
VI Runner
Phoenix, AZ
Having run close to 40 marathons, things were getting a bit stale. 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.
Sidney Stutz
Sighted Guide
Franklin, MI

Guiding has brought me such pleasure in a sport I have come to love over the past four years. I am a 27 year old athlete who wants 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 Cullen
Sighted Guide
East Providence, 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 Manser
Visually Impaired Runner
Littleton, MA

Guiding a blind triathlete opened my eyes to a whole new dimension in the sport of triathlon.  Learning to work together and be that much more attentive on the course has helped me view racing personally in a whole new light. I was very apprehensive about guiding at first, but the VI athlete was so gracious and helpful to me that I felt like he was the one doing most of the helping in the end.

Matt Smith
Sighted 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! I've gained speed an endurance like anyone who has trained, but more importantly, I've found a greater confidence in and respect for myself.
Kate Katulak
Visually Impaired Runner
For me, running has always been the ultimate expression of independence. After running the Boston Marathon several times on my own, I thought that guiding a visually impaired runner would be a unique opportunity to share an experience 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 friendship and have now run three Boston Marathons together.
Chad Carr
Sighted Guide
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 Cron
Visually Impaired Runner
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 Croak
Sighted Guide
Maynard, MA
“Guiding takes the "self" out of racing and makes it the ultimate team effort. I have been a triathlete for 15 years and 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 is nothing better than knowing that you helped another person accomplish his or her goal.”
Caroline Gaynor
Sighted 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 Broca
Visually Impaired Runner
Los Angeles, CA
“The impact and difference volunteer sighted 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 Bigoney
Visually Impaired Runner
Tallahassee, FL
“Guides have given me the opportunity to fulfill 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, and without those guides, I would never have had the opportunity to run a great marathon like Boston!”
Richard Marsolais
Visually Impaired Runner
Ottawa, Canada
“I love to run, and my guides make it possible.”
Dan Berlin
Visually Impaired Runner
Fort Collins, CO
“Every day of my running life, I thank my many running guides. Without them, my running would be a solitary slog on a treadmill. With them, running is a chance to make new friends, to race, to be a part of a great community, and to laugh, cry, and learn about people I would never have met without sport. In short, because of my guides, running brings joy and freedom.”
Tina Ament
Visually Impaired Runner
Alexandria, VA
“Guiding a Visually Impaired athlete is my way of giving back to the sport(s) that I have received so much joy from participating in. As an Endurance athlete, the different disciplines that we participate are done selfishly; you train and compete by yourself. 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. After my first guiding experience, I went home and told my wife that I am completely OK not ever doing another marathon by myself. However, 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 Shull
Sighted Guide
Folsom, CA
"Running for a cause has put new meaning into running. If you're a runner, you know what it means to feel the wind in your face, and hear your shoes hit the ground. Guiding a visually impaired runner shares the freedom running brings. Your eyes are all a visually impaired runner needs. 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 Wasden
Sighted Guide
Meridian, ID
“As a totally blind man hoping to focus on my abilities, I believe I can and want to run to my peak potential. Without a guide, every pothole, crack, curb, branch or even other runner could end my run. Every slight direction choice, adjustment, and verbal warning when avoidance is not possible 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 Pierce
Visually Impaired Runner
Nashua, NH