Running Guides for the Blind

Last month, three running guide dogs named Westley, Waffle and Gus ran with a blind runner in the 2019 New York City Half Marathon. It was the first time that a blind runner completed the half marathon with guide dogs.

The runner, Thomas Panek, is also the president and CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, an organization that has trained guide dogs for the visually impaired for decades. He started the “Running Guides” program in 2015.

“It never made sense to me to walk out the door and leave my guide dog behind when I love to run and they love to run,” he said. “It was just a matter of bucking conventional wisdom and saying why not.”

SDCB’s vision rehabilitation program is recognized for its effectiveness in helping people with no vision to those with changing vision return to an independent lifestyle. Please contact us to learn more.

“Blind runner, guide dog trio makes history in NYC Half Marathon”