Guide Runner Training at Galloways

Building Confidence, Community and Opportunity

This weekend, Galloways was proud to host an England Athletics Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running training session at our Preston base — a powerful and practical workshop focused on opening up running to people with visual impairment.

The session was initiated by Kevin Crompton, our visually impaired London Marathon runner, and brought together 18 participants from across the UK, all with different levels of running experience but one shared goal: to help visually impaired people enjoy running safely, confidently and independently.

Delivered in partnership with England Athletics, the workshop introduced attendees to the fundamentals of guide running, including communication techniques, safety considerations, and the lived experience of runners with sight loss. For many, it marked the first step towards becoming a Licensed Guide Runner.

Confidence to Get Started

One of the most powerful outcomes of the day was the confidence it gave people to take that first step — together.

Claire, who attended the session alongside her husband, shared:

“Fantastic guide runner training session with England Athletics at Galloway’s, Preston. My husband is registered blind and this has given me the confidence to get out on Morecambe prom with him. He’s excited to start Couch to 5K. This session has given us the boost we need to make this a hobby we can both enjoy.”

Stories like this underline just how transformative access to the right knowledge and support can be.

Giving Back Through Running

Our Chief Operating Officer, Hasanga, also took part in the workshop as part of her journey towards becoming a Licensed Guide Runner:

“Today I took part in England Athletics Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running workshop, as part of the process to becoming a Licensed Guide Runner. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, a chance to give back to the community we serve while doing something I genuinely love.”

Reflecting on the day, Hasanga highlighted the wider impact guide runners can have.

“For a visually impaired person, having a guide runner can mean the difference between being excluded and being able to run safely, confidently, and independently. Guide runners provide trust, freedom, and reassurance, helping VI runners build confidence, improve wellbeing, and feel part of the wider running community.”

Why Guide Runners Matter

Volunteer guide runners are currently few and far between, yet their role is vital. Without them, many visually impaired people are unable to access running — not because of lack of ability, but lack of opportunity.

Events like this help change that by:

• Raising awareness of sight loss in sport

• Equipping volunteers with practical skills

• Building inclusive running communities

• Encouraging long-term wellbeing through physical activity

As Hasanga put it:

“It’s vital we keep spreading the word and encouraging more people to get involved.”

Next steps

We’re incredibly grateful to England Athletics, all the participants, and everyone who helped make the day such a success. This session was a brilliant example of what can happen when lived experience, expertise and passion come together.

If you’re interested in guide running, inclusive sport, or supporting people with sight loss to live active, fulfilling lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Together, we can ensure running really is for everyone.