Katrina’s journey to becoming a DeafBlind guide runner

Guide running is an enjoyable and rewarding activity which can support visually impaired people to be active, enjoy the outdoors and meet new people. Being a guide runner involves running alongside a blind or partially sighted person, often both holding a tether, to support them in navigating a safe and enjoyable running path.

We recently caught up with Katrina to learn more about her running journey, how she got into guide running, and her experience of being a DeafBlind guide runner.

Finding her love for running
Katrina initially started running nearly ten years ago as a way to regain her fitness after having her third child.

"After building up my fitness, running became my main source of exercise around working, studying and raising a family. My husband Danny has always been a runner, training for the London Marathon when we met. We now lead a free running community, YourTown Runners, with the support of two other run leaders."

YourTown Runners are a RunTogether group whose weekly social run aims to get the local community moving, connecting and thriving.

Becoming a guide runner
Katrina’s first experience of guide running came through her job as a Communicator Guide, after completing her Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) qualification.

"Upon completing my LiRF qualification, where you get a little taste of guide running, I had the opportunity to run through work as a Visual Impairment Guide. Our little running community now has four guide runners; our coach (and my husband) Danny, Dave, myself and Daniel who I met on our guide running course and had just joined the group a few weeks prior."

Having completed her LiRF qualification, Katrina later went on to attend the England Athletics Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running workshop. This enables Leaders, Coaches and volunteers to attract and support more blind and partially sighted people in athletics and running.

"The course was really helpful to meet other runners offering to guide. My course had myself and one other who’d already done some guiding, so it was beneficial in sharing experiences and picking up tips and advice."

Communicating as a DeafBlind guide runner
Over the past year, Katrina has been guide running with a client who is DeafBlind and communicates through British Sign Language. We asked Katrina how the experience of being a DeafBlind guide runner differs from being a Visual Impairment guide runner.

"Generally I check in with my runner through basic sign while we run and I always have to ensure that I’m on their preferred side for them to receive any communication."

"I may use gestures while my client holds on to my left wrist, to let them know we are turning, going up a hill, etc. The bonus is you don’t get out of breath signing and running, but it’s a tricky process!"

Katrina adds that being aware of your surroundings is important, as well as planning a route which is safe and manageable.

"If my runner is running independently I will either reach for them to hold on as we go past the obstacle, or slow right down. I’m constantly running a risk assessment in my head as we run together, looking for potential obstacles or challenges."

"I’ve learnt along the way the best areas for us to run and can confirm that canal paths are definitely NOT recommended. Neither of us have been keen on trying to make it a duathlon and swim with the angry geese!"

Having a positive impact
Being a guide runner gives you a chance to have a positive impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of those you are supporting.

"For the lady I support weekly, it has such a positive impact on her social interaction and not having to rely on family to take her out, giving her independence."

Stepping outside of your comfort zone
We finished by asking Katrina what advice she would give to anyone considering becoming a guide runner:

"Give it a go! It is nerve wracking but isn’t everything the first time you try it? Running regularly with the same person really builds your confidence and knowing their preference and requirements."

Interested in becoming a guide runner?
Discover our resources and workshops to help you get involved.