Hello - if you are a visually impaired runner or walker who is considering
using Running Blind's guide pairing service - welcome! We hope to provide
support people of all ability levels to find guide training partners that
will allow visually impaired individuals to enjoy the
benefits of a healthy lifestyle that regular activity can help provide.
V.I. Person Registration
This program started unofficially in 2011 and officially in 2012.
The basics of the program are:
- Please use our on-line registration form to sign up for support finding
suitable sighted training partners.
- On this form information is requested regarding your experience and ability
level as well as desired training schedule, and likely training pace (for runners).
- When people seeking support register with us, we then start a networking process
with local running clubs to solicit the support of sighted runners or walkers who might be
interested in providing support to a visually impaired person.
- When some number of potential guide partners also register, we sort them based
on similar criteria such as schedule availability and training pace (for runners).
- Once that is complete, we begin a pairing process to see if suitable matches
can be established for the desired guide support. Matches are based on
schedule, location and pace. We perform a background checks and do so for youth pairing and for adult pairs on request.
- Once mutually agreeable pairings are established, we provide some information
to each of the training partners (including a copy of our "Guide Runner Basics" to
all guide runners).
- We then set up a meeting between the training partners. Depending on the
location, this may or may not be attended by someone from Running Blind.
- At this point the process is handed off more or less completely to the pairs of
training partners. The visually impaired runner is the person that will need to be the primary
facilitator of the partnership, but both partners bear responsibility to honor their
commitment and participate in good faith with the training partnership.
- We do periodically follow up and ask that training partners report back to
us and let us know how things are going.
How many guide runners will you need?
Depending on your desired training schedule, it may well take more than one
guide to satisfy the desired training schedule and scheduling issues for a visually impaired person. Due to
this we generally try to find a primary and a back-up guide for each visually
impaired person. The duration that any given pairing will last will depend on many
factors similar to any friendship relationship.
Notes for new runners
We have prepared a guide for newcomers to the visually impaired world of running. Topics that are covered in this guide are:
1) Introduction and basics
2) Runners who are just starting out
3) How often should I expect to train with my running partner?
4) How many workouts per week should I try to fit in with and without my guide?
5) Who is the right guide for you and how long will someone stick with you?
6) How do I find my own guide or more guides than Running Blind has provided?
7) Participating in races
8) What is the right answer?
Newbies' Notes For Running & Guide Support
Questions? Concerns?
If you are considering registering but have some questions or concerns, please
feel free to contact Running Blind founder Hal Wolfe or a Running Blind volunteer
by phone or e-mail. (Contact info available on the Contact us page.)
Sign up!
If you are considering registering for this service, please take the next step and
register on our system. Here is the link to the registration form: .
V.I. Person Registration