Guide Runners India helps 36 visually impaired to run The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon
Ahmedabad, December 2022: The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon, one of the biggest events in the city held recently at Ahmedabad, witnessed approximately 12,000 participants this year. A special category of participants included Persons with Disability whose participation was made possible by the Guide Runners India, a registered Trust.
A team of 36 visually-impaired runners with their guide runners ran the Adani Marathon held on recently. It was very inspiring to see these athletes travelling from different parts of India to participate.
Vaibhav Patel who is an engineering graduate said “I am really happy to help and seek another opportunity to volunteer in such events again”. Falguni, Vaidehi and Vaidarbhi and many others volunteered to support the participant’s registration, race support and clarifications.
A participant Amarjeet Singh Chawla from Mumbai, who is a vision impaired runner, is 66 years old. He says, “I am 100% blind, but never felt that could stop me. I am a Marathoner, Swimmer, Trekker and Adventure sportsperson. I have travelled from Mumbai to Ahmedabad just to participate in my 137th Half Marathon. I have completed 213 marathons, till date, across India in 128 cities and 13 states. I have had a wonderful experience with all the guidance and support provided by Guide Runners India who always motivated me and pushed me to the limits. I hope the good work continues.”
Chetna, National level Parathlete says, “With Dr. Bhumika’s guidance, I was able to complete the race in the desired time and I am thankful for that.”
Tejal Damor, a National level Paralympic gold medalist, says, “This is my second consecutive year of running in the Adani Marathon and I train for competitions throughout the year, and I am excited to run with the Guide Runners India team.”
Shashikant Patel, a Guide Runner says, “One of the best ways to give back something to the society is by supporting the specially-abled people. I could do that through Guide Runners India. Being a guide to a Visually Impaired person, who sets an example for all of us with their outstanding achievements, is an honor.”
Dr. Bhumika Patel, founder- trustee Guide Runners India is a six-star world marathon major finisher and she was a guide runner to former world record holder, an ironman Eric Manser, at the Boston Marathon 2019. She says, “Today there are a lot of persons with disabilities interested in running and athletics and eager to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We try to do our best to support them as they face numerous challenges such as finding the coach with the right skills to coach for competitive sports and we also require sighted guide runners who can contribute quality time. We are thankful to Ahmedabad Distance Runners and Blind People’s Association for their tremendous support and Adani Marathon for this opportunity to participate.”
