Guiding Greatness: How Visually Impaired Runners and Guides Conquered the 2025 Boston Marathon​

Brett Sims, a visually impaired athlete, Cheyenne Meyer, and Dara Dalmata discussed their experiences at the 2025 Boston Marathon. Brett highlighted the challenges of navigating crowded water stations and fast runners, underscoring the key role of guides in ensuring safety. Both Brett and Cheyenne explained how athletes and guides meet through networking, social media, and adaptive sports groups. Dara described how community running clubs and local charities foster Boston Marathon participation. Overall, the conversation emphasized inclusion, the importance of teamwork between guides and runners, and the vibrant, supportive culture surrounding the Boston Marathon Enjoy the episode! Here are the highlights from our conversation:Guided Running Enables Inclusion and Achievement:Running the Boston Marathon as a visually impaired athlete, with the assistance of a guide, demonstrates that physical challenges do not preclude accomplishing major goals or finding joy in the sport. Brett emphasized the fulfillment and fun in showing others what’s possible with low vision.Navigational Challenges Are Significant for Para Athletes:The crowded Boston Marathon course is especially tricky for visually impaired runners. Water stations and the influx of faster runners (wave one) present hazards, requiring guides and athletes to coordinate closely and often stay to the side of the course for safety.Guiding Requires Partnership, Planning, and Adaptability:Guides play a vital safety and logistical role, adjusting for pace, crowd dynamics, and course obstacles. Pairing happens through running groups, social media, adaptive organizations, and databases like United in Stride—matching guides and athletes by pace, needs, and personality compatibility.Community Connections Foster Opportunity:Both getting into the Boston Marathon and finding guides often depend on networking and local running communities. In cities, adaptive groups and clubs facilitate these connections, while in smaller areas, athletes and guides often have to network more independently.Boston’s Culture Inspires Participation and Perseverance:The Boston Marathon, particularly for those living near Hopkinton, inspires runners and non-runners alike. The town’s charity bib programs, running clubs, and visible local support help people of all backgrounds take up running, qualify for Boston, or participate through volunteerism and fundraising.Episode outline:0:00 - Episode Summary1:40 - Introduction4:13 - playing tetras - what it takes to run Boston Marathon as visually impaired6:28 - How do you find a guide (s)?13:03 - Getting into Boston18:15 - Planning the logistics of running Boston Marathon as out of town runner21:01 - Race day experience - 2025 Boston Marathon26:29 What’s next for Brett, Cheyenne and Dara?