Vision marathon to support the cause of blind

PUNE: If you thought running a marathon was difficult, imagine doing it blindfolded…run a few kms with a companion as a guide, trusting his/her judgment and not getting freaked out by the vrooms and the honking.
To raise awareness about avoidable blindness, the city-based National Institute of Ophthalmology and Run Buddies Club have come together to conduct a Vision Marathon on July 26.
The first of its kind event — to be run in half marathon, 10 km, 5 km and 3 km segments — will see participation from blind and visually-impaired athletes as well. The part-competition, part-awareness event is new to the country with competitors running blindfolded with a partner to guide them through the course of 3 km and 5 km races. The 10 km and half marathon would be competitive events.
“It has been done in Singapore and other countries, but it is happening in India for the first time,” said Arvind Bijwe of Run Buddies Club. “We did a practice run for two-three days. I can tell you it’s not easy for the participants. It’s about trusting your partner. A horn blown at a distance can make you think a vehicle is coming towards you, even if your partner tells you there is no danger. You can understand the plight of blind people,” said Bijwe.
Besides, the objective is to help the blind — who otherwise live in a small world of their own — to have some kind of social activity.
The NIO, on its part, wants to spread awareness about avoidable blindness. “Diabetes is one of the causes of avoidable blindness. Physical exercise can help you prevent it,” said Aditya Kelkar, director of NIO.
The race will be flagged off from Cummins headquarters in Baner, move to Rakshak Chowk before returning to the Cummins headquarters.
The 10 km and half marathon races will start at 6 am followed by the 5k and 3 km events.