Guiderunning.uk supported by Ourea Events

Ourea Events™ is very pleased to be supporting Guiderunning.uk. Guiderunning.uk is a new network to connect visually impaired (VI) runners of all abilities with sighted runners who are prepared to guide them.

Guiderunning.uk has been set up by Braddan Johnson and Simon Wheatcroft. Braddan Johnson started running around 15 years ago. Inspired to undertake his first ultra marathon while living in the US he has become fascinated by remote environments and what the human body can achieve. Enthralled by covering long distances over arduous terrain he takes part in multiple mountain marathons, multi day races and ultra trail events annually.

Simon Wheatcroft lost his sight at 17 and began adapting technology to achieve the impossible. Through the aid of a smartphone and the feeling underfoot Simon learnt to run solo outdoors and ran his first ever race 7 months later – a 100 mile road race. Simon continues to run regularly. Believe it or not there are bigger plans in the future!

Experienced VI runner Simon Wheatcroft and Ultra distance enthusiast Braddan Johnson met when Braddan’s training began to feel all consuming.

Braddan Johnson competing at Ourea Event’s Dragon’s Back Race in 2012
©Jon Brooke

Braddan explains, “I always enjoy training and finding new boundaries to push but it seemed the hours training could benefit others besides myself. Not all training needs to be flat-out and there seemed no reason that I couldn’t share a run with someone who wanted the same experience but needed support. I quickly drew blanks at all major connections and along the way met others with similar experiences. Eventually I connected with Simon.”

Simon continued, “Running is important to me. I love to train, I love to compete. But if I wish to do this outside of a controlled or familiar environment I need a guide. I typically reach out for guides through social media so when Braddan approached me for support with Guiderunning.uk, I saw this as a great opportunity to formalise a growing movement and offer clarity and insights to other experienced or aspiring runners and guides alike.”

Any sighted runner who teams up with a visually impaired runner, will be offered a 50% discount on the race entry fee for any Ourea Events™ race (subject to some common sense vetting of the runners experience and difficultly of the race).

You can find out more by visiting the Guiderunning.uk Facebook page or by contacting Simon or Braddan direct by email: simon@andadapt.com
braddan@gmail.com