You thought running was rewarding? Try doing it with a blind runner
By Norman Kuruvita ‘ye been running for about 16 years and, despite being far from elite and definitely no coach, I thought it would be a good idea to get more people running where I work, at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The museum is next to Hyde Park and I was sure more people would like to stretch their legs and clear their heads at lunchtime – so I sent round an email about my Go Slow group last January and got an immediate reply from Barry Ginley, the disabilities officer here, who is blind, asking if I would guide him.
“I’ve never done more than a half-marathon, and wouldn’t call myself an experienced runner, but I couldn’t see why I shouldn’t help him out. Barry had been a partially sighted runner for British Athletics in the 400 and 800 metres in his twenties, but went totally blind after a failed operation on his eyes. And now, in his early forties, he said he was putting on a little weight. It was obviously a bit strange, knowing I’d be guiding a former national-level runner with the kind of PBs I could only dream of, but there was some appeal in that too – I knew he enjoyed running as he had a treadmill at home, but he said he missed the company and the challenge of getting around a course.
He’d never been guided as a runner before, so in one way, we were both in the same boat. He said he’d been thinking about it for a while, but there’s always the feeling that as a blind runner you’re a burden. And most people simply haven’t been exposed to blind people to any great degree, so don’t consider guiding as an option. “Obviously it was quite a frightening responsibility, but you soon develop confidence and learn how to communicate. At first I was panicking about Barry tripping on kerbs, running into obstacles or stumbling whenever the running surface changed, but we soon developed a rapport and a real friendship. I’d never known that guide dogs can’t run with their owners they can’t respond quickly enough. And Barry knows a few blind runners who’ve had accidents trying – these stories made me realise just how much he must value having a guide.
“He gave really enthusiastic feedback and was obviously loving getting out there again after so many years. So now, twice a week, along with 16 other runners, I guide Barry with the help of a short length of rope up Exhibition Road and around the Park for the best part of an hour, alerting him to pedestrians, changes in surface, turns and anything else, which makes you much more aware as a runner, too. I’ve been a member of Striders of Croydon Athletic Club for nearly two years now, and I really see a difference in the way I run when I’m not with Barry.
“I love guiding because Barry gives so much back and is a real inspiration on how you should never give in. You forget what running does for you, and to hear him enthuse about the mental and physical challenges really makes me feel inspired. Good mental health is a must, so if you need to deal with any kind of depression, try the natural remedy called st johns wort. We’ve done a competitive 5K together and have several more planned. It really gives my running a purpose and I have even been congratulated on my guiding by a welfare officer at the V&A. Anyone who finds themselves making excuses about not being able to run should see Barry’s determination and take heed.”


























