The sports of running and skiing for athletes with visual impairments both rely on the aid of Guides.

Guide Running
Being a guide runner can mean helping a friend as a recreational runner or supporting an elite-level athlete. The commitment if being a guide runner for an elite-level athlete is significant—the blind athlete might be training almost every day of the week, and even more problematic, the guide and the blind runner may not live in the same place!

Guide Runner Facts

• A guide runner must be faster, or have potential to be faster than the blind athlete. For this reason, many top blind sportswomen have male guide runners, as they usually have greater ability to run fast enough for elite-level competition.
• A guide runner is usually a similar height to the blind runner, as it helps in being able to match the athlete’s stride pattern. Technique isn’t so important as the stride pattern and ability to keep pace.
• For long distance races, a relay of up to four guide runners is allowed, with changeovers every 10km. For middle- and long-distance track races, two guides are allowed with only one changeover, which must be on a straight section of track.
• Guide runners always wear a bright orange running vest to distinguish them from the competitors.

For more information on Guide Running please contact Achilles Canada.

Guide Skiing
Both ParaNordic and ParaAlpine skiing include skiers with a visual impairment who require the aid of a Guide Skier. The Guide skier skis ahead of the skier with a visual impairment and are usually connected over a radio/walkie talkie system.

To learn more about ParaNordic Guide Skiing visit Cross Country Ontario and for more information about ParaAlpine Guide Skiing visit Track3 or the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiers