The findings from a recent study have sent shockwaves throughout the running community. The Runalytics Alliance has confirmed that all blind runners actually run races on their own two legs and are not being pulled by their volunteer guides as some believe.
“Are you pulling my leg?” exclaimed Miles Hunter, a seasoned runner with aspirations of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. “I refuse to believe a blind person can run a marathon without being dragged along by their volunteer guide. Running on their own two legs. Ha! That's preposterous!”
Mary Lightning, another runner, shared Hunter's disbelief. “Absurd! What do you think that tether is for? Blind runners are obviously attached to their volunteer guides so they can be towed throughout the race,” she said, shaking her head. “Blind people are disabled. Everyone knows that means they can't accomplish anything on their own merits, let alone running. Pfft!”
The groundbreaking study, spearheaded by Brooks Schumacher, Ph.D., president of the Runalytics Alliance, aimed to debunk the myths perpetuated by sore losers like Hunter and Lightning who can't fathom being outpaced by visually impaired athletes.
The study assessed 2,000 participants with varying degrees of blindness. “To our surprise, each and every one of those runners propelled themselves forward with their own sheer grit and determination,” said Dr. Schumacher. “This means volunteer guides match their runners' pace, not the other way around.”
The study also debunked the misconception surrounding the tether, that often misunderstood looped strap that links blind runners and their guides. “Hopefully, skeptics will finally understand that the tether serves merely as a tool for volunteer guides to connect with their athletes and offer navigation assistance,” said five-time marathon winner Chase Marker, who happens to be blind and has a Boston Marathon qualifier time of 2:45. “And no, it does not have a speed motor attached to it.”
Despite the evidence, Hunter remained dubious. “Next you'll be telling us that disabled people can swim or climb Mt. Everest!” he said. “Preposterous!”