Blind Runner to Use Smart Glasses During Marathon in ‘World First’

Clarke Reynolds, a determined 45-year-old athlete from England, is preparing to tackle the Brighton Marathon on April 12, despite facing significant visual challenges due to Retinitis Pigmentosa. This progressive eye disease has left him with just 5% vision. However, he is set to be supported by a network of volunteers from around the globe, who will guide him in real-time using augmented smart glasses from Rayban Meta.

The Brighton Marathon represents an innovative endeavour for Reynolds, who is affectionately known as Mr Dot. He will rely on the Be My Eyes app, which connects visually impaired individuals with sighted volunteers via live video. On race day, these volunteers will view the course from his perspective and provide instructions as he navigates the 26.2-mile route.

Be My Eyes described the effort as a “world first,” emphasising the significance of combining modern technology with athletic ambition. Volunteers will take turns assisting Reynolds throughout the race, ensuring he stays on course while offering encouragement and support. The charity has confirmed that the volunteers will be thoroughly trained to ensure that they can provide informed assistance when necessary.

Clarke Reynolds’s story is one of resilience. He has been visually impaired in his right eye since the age of six, and the condition has progressively affected his eyesight since his thirties. Recalling the moment he received the news that he would be losing his driving licence, Reynolds shared, “I went to the hospital and they sat me down and said, ‘Mr. Reynolds, do you drive?’ I said yes, and they replied, ‘Hand over your licence, you’re going blind.’ That’s how I was informed.”

Currently, Reynolds likens his vision to “looking underwater,” a difficult reality that has not deterred him from pursuing his passion for running. He previously completed the London Marathon under the guidance of a running partner, and he will once again have a trained guide tailored to assist him during the Brighton event.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming marathon, Reynolds proclaimed, “This is a world first! I’m so excited! I’ll be the first blind person running a full marathon while being supported by volunteers using Be My Eyes.” As of early April, he had raised over £1,100 towards his £2,000 fundraising goal in support of the marathon. “This technology is so liberating!” he continued.

The supportive network that Reynolds has gathered through Be My Eyes further illustrates the power of community and technology. Volunteers can join from anywhere, contributing their time and knowledge to help him navigate each step of the marathon. “Using the app is incredible! I head out for a run and say the three magic words, Be My Eyes, and there I am connected to someone who will support me,” he elaborated.

The Brighton Marathon, which attracts thousands of runners each year, promises to provide not only a personal challenge for Reynolds but also to showcase the potential of technology to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. This fusion of determination and innovative support mechanisms highlights the significance of inclusivity in sports.

As the marathon date approaches, Clarke Reynolds is focused not only on the race itself but on the broader implications of his participation. By using the Be My Eyes app, he hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges and demonstrate that with the right support, anything is possible. As Reynolds prepares to embark on this ambitious journey, his story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and community.