Barry’s Journey as a Blind Runner with Maidstone Harriers

In August 2025, after many years away from running, I made a decision that would change far more than just my fitness. I joined Maidstone Harriers, an inclusive running and triathlon club in Maidstone.

The opportunity came about through a friend who had attended a trial day with the club. Maidstone Harriers were actively encouraging blind and partially sighted people to experience running alongside England Athletics-trained guide runners.

As a blind runner, the idea of simply heading out for a run on my own is not realistic. So, discovering a community with trained guides ready to support runners like me felt like an open door.

Starting Running Again as a Blind Runner

Running was not new to me. In my younger years, I had been competitive, used to pushing limits and chasing times.

But, like many people, life moved on. With it came a few too many indulgences, such as beer and wine.

By the time I returned to running, I was motivated not just by nostalgia, but by a desire to reset, rebuild my fitness and get back to something I had once loved.

My first club night was a wake-up call. I completed a 4k route around Mote Park, following the parkrun course, and quickly realised something: years of running on a treadmill had given me a false sense of effort.

Outside, with real terrain, real conditions and the need to trust a guide, it was a completely different challenge.

Progress, Purpose and Confidence

Eight months later, the difference is clear. I’ve broken the 30-minute barrier on a tough parkrun course, something I am proud of, and I have signed up for the 2026 Great South Run, a 10-mile event that gives my training a clear focus.

Having a goal on the horizon has given my training focus and purpose. Progress has not just been about times or distance. It has been about adapting to a different kind of running, one built on communication, trust and teamwork.

My parkrun progress has also become a big part of my running journey. As of 9 May 2026, my parkrun stats are:

Stat	Date	Venue	Time
First parkrun	23 August 2025	Leybourne Lakes	32:35
Latest parkrun	9 May 2026	Dover Waterfront	29:12
Overall parkrun PB	4 April 2026	Whitecliffe Lake	28:43

My Parkrun Stats

What It’s Really Like as a Blind Runner

Running in a park is one thing. Running on the streets is another entirely.

Everyday obstacles such as parked cars, lamp posts and uneven pavements become significant hazards when you cannot see them. They can also be frustrating, especially when they interrupt your rhythm or make a route feel unpredictable.

Add in dark winter evenings and the challenge intensifies.

This is where guide runners make all the difference. Guiding a blind runner is not easy. It requires communication, awareness and trust.

Yet the support within Maidstone Harriers has been incredible. The club has invested in training multiple guide runners, meaning there is always someone willing to step in and help.

That level of commitment creates a genuinely inclusive running environment.

Guided Running with Maidstone Harriers

Maidstone Harriers include guided running as part of their weekly club runs on Wednesdays, helping blind and visually impaired runners take part in regular club sessions with the right support in place.

For me, that matters. It means guided running is not treated as a one-off opportunity or a special exception. It is part of the club environment, and that makes inclusion feel practical, consistent and real.

Giving Something Back to the Club

Because the club has given me so much, I have felt a strong responsibility to contribute in return.

I have volunteered as a marshal at several organised events and delivered a Visual Awareness training session for members who wanted to better understand how to guide and support visually impaired runners.

It has been rewarding to share my perspective and help others feel more confident in offering support. The more people understand the practical realities of visual impairment, the easier it becomes to make running more accessible.

More Than Just Running

Joining Maidstone Harriers has improved my fitness, but it has also given me something just as valuable: connection.

I have met new people, built friendships and become part of a community that goes beyond running.

At the same time, I hope my presence helps raise awareness. Being a blind runner in a club setting naturally opens conversations and builds understanding about visual impairment, guided running and the challenges that come with running without sight.

Taking the First Step as a Visually Impaired Runner

If there is one thing I have taken from this experience, it is that inclusion works when people are willing to make it happen.

I would encourage any visually impaired person who is even slightly curious about running to take that first step.

It might feel daunting, but the right club can make all the difference. With trained guide runners, encouragement and regular opportunities to join club runs, running can become possible again.

For me, joining Maidstone Harriers was not just about running again. It was about rediscovering what is possible.

FAQs About Visually Impaired, Blind Running and Guided Running

Everyone’s running journey is different, and that is what makes the Maidstone Harriers community so special.

If you have a story, experience or moment you would like to share, we would love to hear from you and help celebrate it with the club.