Running marathons with RP – Gareth Smith

Meet Gareth. He is a husband to Rachael, father to Luke, Alex and Alice, and is blind, running marathons with RP.

In 2015, at the age of 36, Gareth was diagnosed as Severely Sight Impaired with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). RP is a gradually progressive condition that primarily affects peripheral and night vision, and the effects can’t be reversed or stopped.

Gareth doesn’t let his disability prevent him from achieving new things in life. Since discovering his passion for running in 2021, he has completed multiple marathons, raising funds for Henshaws along the way. But his impact reaches beyond the track; he’s also co-founded a Disability Network at his workplace, championing the voices of disabled colleagues across the business.

Gareth says

I took up running during the pandemic as I’d become VERY relaxed while working from home. A few extra biscuits here, making cakes / bread daily, eating takeaways etc.

I used the Couch to 5k app to get myself into a bit of an exercise routine and quickly got from 5k to further distances.

Fast forward 3 years and I’ve just completed my 3rd marathon in a little under 12 months. Not a bad achievement for someone who couldn’t run for more than 60 seconds not so long ago.

I ran my first marathon in October 2023, competing at Chester and raising money for Henshaws at the same time. Deciding I wanted to return to the scene in 2024, I managed to beat my previous time by a huge 36 minutes.

I run with a guide runner which is so important for me as it helps me navigate busy races and stops me injuring myself or others.

I might not “look blind” (whatever that is), but you can make silly assumptions. Be a good one, gain a little awareness and learn about disabilities.

The benefits of running

Running is a fantastic way to boost both your physical and mental wellbeing. It strengthens your heart and improves lung capacity, while giving your mood a natural lift through those all-important endorphins. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, it’s a brilliant way to clear your mind and enjoy some time outdoors or in the gym. Couch to 5k can be a helpful and effective way to get started. Running with RP and other visual impairments can take extra preparation. If you’re unsure, you could find a running partner or use a guide runner.

These links may help you get started on your own running journey

For visually impaired runners:

Advice from blind and VI runners

Find a guide runner

Information about guide runners

For those interested in become a guide runner:

Guide running course

The joy of running with VI runners