Have you ever considered becoming a guide runner? Here's how to do it
Ever considered being a guide runner for someone visually impaired? Blind and partially sighted people are twice as likely to be inactive and less likely to participate in sport or physical activity compared to people without sight loss, according to recent research from the Royal Institute of Blind People.
Although the report found that blind and partially sighted people wanted to be more active, half of those surveyed felt having sight loss stops them from exercising as much as they would like to. Accessibility and awareness, cost, confidence and transportation were identified as key barriers.
We see evidence of this at parkrun. As GP and parkrun ambassador Simon Tobin recently said: ‘In the UK, 340,000 people are registered blind or partially sighted, but an average parkrun weekend across the UK attracts between 60 and 80 VI parkrunners.’
If visually impaired participation at parkrun was in line with the sighted population, he highlighted that the number would be more like 1,000.
VI runners often face additional challenges like getting to an event and the course terrain. That’s where guide runners – and having more of them – really helps.
Do you need a qualification to become a guide runner?
While an official qualification isn’t mandatory, the Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running Workshop delivered by England Athletics is the recommended route to becoming a guide runner. Once you’ve completed the workshop, online training and a DBS check, you can apply for your guide runner’s licence. England Athletics and British Blind Sport encourage all guides to be licensed, so visually impaired people using the Find a Guide database can have some quality assurance when finding a suitable guide.
Workshops take place in areas where there is a demand for more guide runners on the database and where there is interest from VI runners. Alternatively, if you have noticed VI runners with guides at local races, clubs or parkruns, it’s worth asking them about their experience.
For instance, Paul Gillett, 68, is a keen parkrunner from Brighton. He has nystagmus – a complex eye condition characterised by involuntary eye movements. Encouraged by a friend, Paul started running seven years ago, which eventually led him to his local parkrun, where he was offered a guide for his first run in 2018.
‘There is a saying that runners find it harder to get to the starting line than the finishing line and that was certainly true, but when I got there, my guide put me at ease,’ he says.
Gillett adds: ‘I had no great expectations but thought I might get round in 40 minutes. Adrenalin must have set in, as to my amazement, I did 33:28 and only walked for three short sections.’
Since then, Gillett has run with more than 30 guides. Alongside his runner friend – who is blind – Gillett arranged some guide training, supported by a core team and some experienced guides. They run three to four sessions a year, with new guides able to shadow experienced guides. ‘I have now run 176 parkruns and seven 10Ks – as well as volunteering on 50 occasions, including 20 junior parkruns. It has really helped me to grow in confidence and meet some lovely people,’ he says.
What does the Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running Workshop involve?
The workshop is delivered by England Athletics and over two hours, it covers:
Information on types of visual impairment and common sight loss conditions
Appropriate terminology and behaviour
Making sessions blind and partially sighted participant friendly
Guide running top tips, safety
Guide running practical sessions
Further support and resources
You’ll have the opportunity to run from the point of view of the guide and VI runner – to get an idea of what it feels like to be guided. Afterwards, you will be sent resources from the workshop and asked to complete an online first aid and safeguarding course. You’ll also need to apply for a DBS – which is free – through the England Athletics portal.
Then, you’re ready to apply for a licence – and once you’ve received that, you can join the Find A Guide database. Once on there, you’re able to mark yourself as active or inactive, depending on your circumstances and commitments.
How much does the Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running Workshop cost?
For those who are England Athletics affiliated, it’s a one-off cost of £20 and £30 for those who aren’t. It covers the workshop, administration, DBS check, licence production and insurance.
The Safeguarding & First Aid Training and Updates for Licence Renewals Tier 1 is an additional £20 cost required every three years.
How fast do you need to be as a guide runner?
You don’t need to be a particular speed to become a guide runner. However, you’ll need to know how fast and far you can run comfortably – because when you’re guiding, your attention should be on accommodating your runner’s needs, not catching your breath. The wider the range of paces on the database, the better. Don’t be put off if you think you’re too slow – and consider it if you’re a faster runner, too.
Whether someone just wants to run around the block, join a club or enter a race, increasing the UK’s pool of guide runners helps accommodate that.
What to expect as a first-time guide runner
Often, it’s both the VI runner and the guide’s first time running together like this – and it's normal to feel nervous.
It might be nice to meet beforehand (if it’s parkrun or a race) to practise or recce the course together – or just to have a chat and cuppa.
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