Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running workshop
Being a guide runner for the blind and visually impaired is a rewarding experience for all those involved. It is a fantastic way to help others enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that a regular running habit brings.
Whilst anyone can guide a visually impaired (VI) runner, it is important to know how to offer safe guidance. To help prepare you, and to provide safety assurance for those looking for a blind runner guide, we have developed a Guide Runner Licence. We also have a 'Find a Guide' database, which was set up in partnership with British Blind Sport.
Guide Running Course Content
England Athletics' Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running workshop have been developed in conjunction with British Blind Sport. This is designed to equip runners, guide running leaders and coaches with the information, skills, and experience required to safely guide blind runners.
The two-hour guide running workshop focuses on a number of areas including:
- Types of visual impairment (VI).
- Behaviour and terminology.
- How to make running sessions VI friendly.
- Practical exercise guiding and being guided by a fellow runner.
- Awareness of where and how to access further support, resources and information.
To become a Licensed Guide runner for the blind, you need to attend the Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running workshop. You must also undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Interested in becoming a guide runner?
Guide running courses are usually run between April and September each year as they have a practical element that takes place outdoors.
Complete the form below to express your interest in attending a Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running course. Once you have completed the form, we will contact you when we have planned suitable locations for courses according to demand.
Course dates for our Sight Loss Awareness and blind runner guide workshops will also be posted online.
