A new running group has been set up in York for visually-impaired joggers. Kate Liptrot reports on the innovative scheme to get people of all abilities enjoying the great outdoors.

THE benefits of running are well documented. For those who can get through the first few tough runs, it is known to make you happier, thinner, stronger and even to add years to your life.

For mum-of-one Danielle Palmour, from Holgate, running has been part of her life for years and greatly adds to her sense of wellbeing.

“I have worked out the reason I enjoy running so much is that I like being outside,” she said. “It’s enjoying the weather, even the rain.”

The 49-year-old charity director has been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa – a progressive loss of sight – and she is a member of a new running group for the visually impaired in York as she is conscious she may need to run with a guide more in the future.

Speaking before a run at York Racecourse with guide runner and group organiser Jacqui McBurnie, Danielle said her sight can vary depending on the light.

“If someone is running alongside you, you are aware of the terrain,” she said, “Trust is a good thing and is vital to being a good runner.

“It would be great for people to come along so they get to run with someone and get to know how people run. Taking it slow and building up seems to be a good strategy.

“You can take running at your own pace, I would encourage anybody who wants to try, to dip their toe in. We had a session with someone who could run but walked for intervals and it was enjoyable.”

The running group – which is open to visually-impaired people of all abilities - has been set up by Jacqui and a group of guide runners who have been trained by England Athletics.

Runners are paired with guides who can either run alongside them who can provide an elbow or wrist band to guide with.

Jacqui said: “Running has lots of benefits. It helps bone density, and mental health. There are masses of benefits. A lady who has started with us who has not run for years has said ‘my eyes don’t work but everything else does’.

“People have said they feel freed up and they feel confident they can go off and do what they want to do. To be able to run is a great sense of freedom.”


• The group meets on Wednesdays at 7pm by the Hamilton Panthers building next to the Knavesmire. For more information go to their Facebook page, York Running Group for the Visually Impaired.