News

17/07/2025 00:00, In Blog /

On a hot summer evening in July the first Visually impaired team entered the annual Cosmeston Relay race organised by Penarth and Dinas Runners.

There were 250 teams of 3 athletes totalling 750 runners, which was a fast and frenetic race over a mixed terrain course in the grounds of Cosmeston Lakes Country Park. Although the course was challenging, the VI runners were incredible and were cheered on by a hugely enthusiastic and noisy crowd lining the course route.

The Team "VI of the Best" finished an excellent 198^th out of 232 on 79:13, with Ryan Moreland (28:00) guided by John Shewring, Naz Khan (24:30) guided by Mark Hutchings and Tracey Hinton (26:42) guided by Dafydd Trystan.

All the VI guides felt it was a real privilege to be a small part of this team and would like to thank Penarth and Dinas Runners for the support and opportunity to be a part of this fantastic event.

We caught up with John Shewring who helped set up the VI team. This is what John had to tell us about being a guide runner: 

How did you get started as a guide runner?

I started guide running 3 years ago after met up with a visually impaired athlete at a local Parkrun who is in fact one of my patients !

What inspired you to become a guide for visually impaired runners?

Running is an extremely important part of my life and after guiding for the first time it emphasised the importance of helping others with visual impairments to be able to be involved in the running community.

How do you build trust with the athlete you guide?

Trust comes from confidence both in the guide and the athlete. After overcoming my initial fears and nerves I was very much supported by the athlete who imparted all their experience to help develop my confidence and guiding techniques.

Do you always run with the same person, or do you guide multiple athletes?

I usually run with the same athlete but more recently I have started running with another athlete. After attending the VI workshop and completing my LIRF course I am hoping to offer VI running as part of my local running club to other visually impaired athletes..

How do you communicate during a race or training session?

Its important that the guide knows the  course and any potential dangers which can be communicated verbally during the race.

What kind of verbal or physical cues do you use?

Verbal cues are usually kept short and to a minimum, and we usually agree different verbal cues before we start running eg communicating times and distances for turns, or obstructions eg potholes, kerbs.

What techniques do you use to keep in sync with the athlete?

It is important to agree the pace at which the athlete would like to run beforehand . The warm up is important and also an opportunity to ensure that our running techniques are in sync particularly if we are using a guiding tether.This is also an opportunity to discuss potential hazards and turns in a race and how these can be communicated safely and clearly.

How does training differ when you're running as a guide?

There is no real difference to my training when running as a guide – VI guiding complements my training and races.

How do you stay mentally focused while guiding?

Preparation is key to ensure I am mentally focused. Also the experience gained from running with a visually impaired athlete helps me to anticipate issues during the race.

What's the most rewarding part of being a guide runner?

 Being a VI guide is incredibly rewarding and extremely important - Getting a PB with a visually impaired athlete is just as rewarding as when I run alone ! Also its important to emphasise that vocal support during races from other athletes or the crowd is hugely important both for the guide and the athlete.

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a guide runner?

As more visually impaired athletes are given the support and opportunity to race so the profile of VI guiding has increased.

So if you’re interested in getting involved then attend the VI guiding workshop run by Welsh Athletics which is excellent and is a good starting point.. If you see a VI guide runner and athlete at a race or parkrun then go and have a chat – the more guides we have the better for the VI community.

If you are inspired about becoming a guide runner find out more HERE! 

Photo credit Abyd Quinn Aziz.