Blind Runner To Participate In Marathon Using Meta AI Glasses In 'World First'

In a world first, 45-year-old Clarke Reynolds is set to tackle the Brighton Marathon on April 12 using smart glasses. Reynolds, who has five per cent vision due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, will navigate the 26.2-mile course equipped with Meta AI glasses. Throughout the race, global volunteers will provide him with real-time guidance via the Be My Eyes app, marking a historic milestone for accessible technology in sports.

While the platform usually connects users with random volunteers, a new Be My Eyes Groups feature on Meta AI Glasses allows Reynolds to build a private circle of dedicated supporters. For his marathon, these volunteers will be pre-selected and briefed, ensuring he has a team of familiar, prepared voices ready when he needs them most.

"This is a world first! I'm so excited! I'll be the first blind person running a full marathon while being supported by volunteers using Be My Eyes. This technology is so liberating!" said Clarke, who is also popularly known as Mr Dot.

"Using the app is incredible! I head out for a run and say the three magic words, Be My Eyes, and there I am connected to someone who will support me. They could be anywhere in the world!"

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Clarke, who has previously completed the London Marathon with a guide, is already being supported by over 100 volunteers through the app. The Portsmouth resident estimates that by the time he completes the Brighton Marathon, he will have been powered on by up to 200 individual volunteers.

Apart from the network of volunteers, Clarke will be provided with a trained guide runner as a backup safety precaution by The Richard Whitehead Foundation through their Supported Runner Project.

“This isn't just about running a marathon. This is about challenging society's ideas about what blind people can do!" said Clarke.

So far, Reynolds has raised £1155 out of his £2000 goal for the marathon.