Those who follow this blog (or indeed it’s somewhat crazy author), will be aware that we organise what has become an annual event: Running Blind at Stormont. It’s somewhat different from the usual 5k/10 events, as those who enter are encouraged to run/jog/walk in pairs, one person guiding the other – who wears a blindfold over the twisting, undulating, multi-surface courses. The 5k is pretty kind ( we use the same route as the excellent Stormont parkrun), and a much more complex, more challenging route for the 10k – lots more undulation, many more twists and turns. Each year we help out a local charity; this year we supported the well known, much loved and highly respected Team Kerr and their charity, Aaron’s Army. Aaron’s Army provided running buggies for families with disabled children, enabling families to get out and become part of the amazing, very supportive running community. The organising team at Running Blind (Adrian Boyd, Debbie McVeigh, Emma Barclay, Martina Toal and Tony Barclay), dedicate their time and efforts (and stress levels) freely, ensuring as much as possible of the entry fee is donated to charity. This year we were able to present Team Kerr and Aaron’s Army with £1,380 towards their goal of providing more running buggies.
Its very important to mention our main sponsor, without whom Running Blind would not have taken place: Heartsine/Stryker, who manufacture those all important AED devices we see in strategic places – genuinely life saving automatic defibrillator machines that can get a heart working again. The generosity of the company meant the substantial costs of events such as Running Blind were covered, and enabled us to donate to our chosen charity. Thanks also to Active Financial, Born 2 Run, and Tayto, who all helped us make it happen.
The team make this event happen to raise awareness of visual impairment, running without sight, and to raise much needed funds for local charity. We don’t look for accolades or praise – we are quite content to work away quietly. Imagine our surprise when we found out that someone had nominated us for a National Running Award! These prestigious awards are nominated by runners, and entrants are voted for by runners. We were totally blown away to be nominated!
We would LOVE to win the award for 5k event (Northern Ireland). If you would not mind, please click HERE or on the big red logo below, and vote for Running Blind Stormont – help us win our category and Running Blind the ‘Award Winning Running Blind‘ ahead of our potential 2019 presentation. It will cost nothing, you will be asked to register (to avoid multiple votes) but we promise they never sell email addresses or spam you!
Whilst we are on the subject of the National Running Awards, our good friend and fellow blogger Siobhan Grant has also been nominated for an award, in the Personal Blog category. If you have not yet read Siobhan’s blog, go, read it now. Always entertaining (as is she), and worth voting for this lovely young lady – just click HERE to support her (choose ‘Journey to a marathon… and beyond).
Until next time….. keep ‘er lit, keep ‘er fit.
And do PLEASE click those nomination links: Running Blind or Siobhan’s blog.
Running blind... the musings of an old, blind runner 