My first time at the famous GR8 Dundrum race. Actually, every race is my first one – I started running through the Couch programme in January. Since then, a real passion for running has developed, encouraged by the fantastic support of my club, Seapark AC in Carrickfergus. 5k, 10k, even the Belfast Half Marathon last month. But why Dundrum? So many have told me of this incredible, multi-terrain race. Road, boardwalk, beach. I am used to roads, with one multi-surface run at the Glenarm 10k run. An opportunity to run such a unique race as Dundrum was too good to miss. One issue though: I am registered blind, with a tiny field of vision (equal to one key on a computer keyboard), and need a sighted guide runner. A huge challenge for both of us – I have two guide runners, though only one could be available. Karen – my guide – and I run with a short strap linking our wrists; we have to run in harmony, about a foot apart, for the whole distance, with one unable to see, the other providing a commentary of the route.
The start line is always fun – LOTS of people, a tangible ‘buzz’ and expectation. We start well back, out of consideration for others – takes a few yards to get the pace balanced between us. High vis jackets that say ‘blind runner’ and ‘guide’, to help our fellow runners. Off we go, get settled, tackle the hill (didn’t expect a climb so soon), and one we go. Karen, my guide, describes the scenery as we go, as well as the position of other runners. Then the change from road to the boardwalk, across grass… with rabbit holes? Didn’t expect those! Great fun trying to dodge the holes and not break an ankle! Boardwalk was great, a lovely surface to run on – wide enough for two, softer and springier than road. Now the beach, which some called the ‘Beach of Doom’. My first time on sand! Hate the soft stuff, drags the legs. Find our way to the firm sand, now churned up by the hundreds of feet that have passed by already. Never mind that, the wind is a shocker! Feels like a gale blowing straight at us! Wind apart, actually enjoyed the beach, the sound of the sea, the birds. Tricky getting off the sand, the pebbles are difficult under foot, but the boardwalk is welcome. Then a sharp left turn and a sharp right in quick succession, lots of pesky rabbit holes and big dips again – think Karen was a wee bit nervous at this point! Certainly a relieved tone as we turned towards the welcome water station. On we go, and we are back onto the road. Busier, this one – traffic is passing by at speed. A slight ‘oops’ moment, someone has parked a van in the middle of the pathway, Karen does her best to guide us both past, but contact is made with my shoulder. No harm done, though I must apologise to the van owner, I think your mirror was moved. A few yards later and we are met by the man himself…. Bootsy. Now this is an inspirational guy – always fun, always encouraging, running alongside with his cameras. Last mile into Dundrum, saving a bit in the tank for the final three hundred yards – I refuse to cross a line walking, ever! Sprint a bit for the finish, to the sound of cheers and support from fellow club members – and more, by the sound of it! The beep as my foot crosses the line, the tag recording my finish time. It’s done… I have just completed the GR8 Dundrum!
What a feeling! What an experience! Though I could not see the beauty of the autumn trees, the landscape, the line of people ‘running into the haze as far as one can see’ on the beach, the folks who have given up their time on a Saturday to make the race happen – people of all ages – the finish, the lines of folks gathered to cheer us all home, still I have experienced the thrill of Dundrum. Every step is a single moment, my moment, because that is all I have. I cannot see what others see, the next point of significance, the next hill, the next turn, the finish line. For me, it is this step, the next step, the sounds, the feel of every step, the sound of the volunteers, marshals and supporters; these folks made the day happen. The course itself is spectacular, my firm favourite. That smile at the end? That was me really enjoying a great day, a great race.
The GR8 Dundrum race is managed by Murlough AC, find them here: http://murloughac.com/ and Born2Run: http://born2runevents.com/
Running blind... the musings of an old, blind runner 