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‘I joined the British Triathlon Guiding
Register just before London 2012,
when I’d volunteered as a water-
handler for the para-triathletes at
pre-2012 test events. I was introduced
to Alison in 2014, initially by phone
call and email, then we met in person
and went on our first run together.‘THE RUNNERS I GUIDE ARE
MY INSPIRATION’
Roz McGinty, 47, lives in Hertfordshire. A nurse and competitive long-
distance triathlete, she also volunteers as a guide runner with Alison, 57,
who lost her sight 14 years ago after a brain haemorrhage.Roz and Alison
have formed a great
running partnershipALISON SAYS:
‘Having someone guide me
means I can enjoy activities that I
can no longer do on my own. I like
being guided by Roz because we
have fun together – she finds crazy
challenges like The Commando- but I also trust her fully. It’s an
honour to be “stuck” to Roz.’
Immediately, I knew I was going to find
guiding rewarding because Alison was
so enthused by the experience. She’d
been keen on sports prior to losing her
sight. Initially, Alison and I went out on
our own, but in November that year I
introduced her to parkrun, as I thought
the encouragement of others would be
more fun for her. We both loved it and
finished in 42 minutes.
When I guide, whether we’re tethered
or not, I describe the terrain and turns
and obstacles or people approaching us.
I found it easy to realise what Alison, or
any other VI (visually impaired) runner I
now guide, needed to know. I’m always
prepared that the person I’m guiding
may bump into me occasionally, but
that’s part of the experience.
Alison and I have now done several
challenges together, including
triathlons, an insane off-road obstacle
course called The Commando and,
most recently, an inflatable obstacle
course. Alison is incredible – she lovesAlison and Roz take on
challenges togethera challenge and has no fear. Never
once has she said, “I’m not sure about
doing that.” For Alison, it’s almost a
case of the scarier the better!
When I’m guide running, I’m not
doing it for me, I’m doing it for Alison.
I want her to be able to benefit. If
Alison’s happy, I’m happy. If she has
a goal or wants a personal best, I’m
always up for helping her achieve that.
Guiding has given me a greater
appreciation of the fact I’m fully sighted
and able-bodied. It’s the reason I want
to give back to help others. All the VI
runners I guide for are my inspiration.
Everyone I’ve ever had the privilege
to guide for shows nerves of steel.’
% For more info on guide running,
visit britishblindsport.org.uk or
englandathletics.org