Supporting Blind and Partially Sighted Runners
Running is more than just a physical activity; it’s a way to build community, improve mental health, and achieve personal goals. For blind and partially sighted individuals, running can also be a powerful way to gain independence and confidence. Our club is committed to breaking down barriers and providing the support needed for all runners to thrive.
Licensed Guide for Visually Impaired Runners
England Athletics and British Blind Sport encourage all guide runners to be licenced. This is to provide both visually impaired runners and guides with a high quality, safe experience. Licenced guide runners are insured and are registered on the national Find a Guide database so that visually impaired runners can search for and contact them to run.
The licensing program enables England Athletics to identify guide runners who have attended a Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running workshop and who have up-to-date DBS checks, plus first aid and safeguarding training.
Meet Our Guides
At Axe Valley Runners, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of running, regardless of their visual abilities. That’s why we are dedicated to supporting blind and partially sighted runners. Our club is proud to have two licenced guides who specialize in guiding runners with visual impairments.
Louise Rawlins
I’m a qualified through England Athletics as an Athletics Coach Endurance, Coaching Assistant, Leadership in Running Fitness, Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running a member of the Seaton Parkrun Core Team. I’m keen to help visually impaired people unlock the numerous benefits that running can deliver. If you are interested in running with me then please contact me via my Run Britain Find a Guide Profile.
Haydn Boehm
I’m passionate about helping visually impaired people unlock the numerous benefits that running can deliver. I obtained my licence in July 2024 where I was fortunate enough to meet several blind and partially sighted runners at the course which gave me an even greater appreciation of just how much guided running can be a powerful way for people to gain independence and confidence. If you are interested in running with me then please contact me via my Run Britain Find a Guide profile.
Statistics on Blindness and Partial Sight Loss
Understanding the prevalence of visual impairments can help us appreciate the importance of inclusive sports programs. Here are some key statistics:
- Global Prevalence: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.2 billion people globally have a vision impairment or blindness.
- UK Prevalence: Approximately 10% of the population in England have a visual impairment
- Causes: The leading causes of vision impairment include uncorrected refractive errors, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Impact: Vision impairment can significantly affect quality of life, limiting daily activities and increasing the risk of social isolation and mental health issues.
- Support: With the right support and resources, individuals with visual impairments can lead active, fulfilling lives. Adaptive sports, like running, play a crucial role in this.
Join Us!
If you or someone you know is blind or partially sighted and interested in running, we invite you to join our club. Together, we can make running an inclusive and empowering experience for everyone. Get in touch by contacting our guides via their Find a Guide profiles and tell them why you are looking for a guide. Describe any previous running experience and your goals. Do you want a guide for an event, train for an event or race, or just to get out and enjoy the outdoors. This will help our guides support you.
