Health

Blind Runner Embarks on 100-Mile ‘Ultratriathlon’

Often times, the most heroic individuals are those who overcome the odds, while showcasing courage and resilience. Simon Wheatcroft, of Rossington, UK, is the perfect example. Wheatcroft suffers from a degenerative disorder called retinitis pigmentosa. According to Wired.com, the disease “…directly affects the retina, so his eyes can’t properly convert visual cues to nerve signals that get processed in the brain.”

But, being legally blind for the past 11 years, hasn’t stopped Wheatcroft from living his life to the fullest. Earlier today, he began running what is sure to be a rugged and trying ultra-triathlon. Wired.com has more:

At noon local time, 90 people took off at the starting line of the Cotswold 100, a grueling 100-mile ultramarathon that sneaks its way north through the British countryside before circling back toward south Warwickshire.

Wheatcroft, however, won’t be able to soak in all the scenery as he slogs his way along the course. That’s not because his attention will be fixated on the task on the hand — finishing the race in the maximum 30-hour time limit — although it certainly will be.

Now, the race has arrived and readers are rooting Wheatcroft on. The runner has been keeping Wired.com readers up to speed for the past two months, letting them track his training progress, stamina, nutritional preparation and the like. The challenge won’t be easy:

…the course starts off at a manageable 112 feet above sea level, but it’ll go as high as 1,037 feet by mile 18, a 925-foot elevation differential. That’s the high point of the race, and from there the hills will be frequent, although not too demanding. The last major obstacle will come just after Wheatcroft passes mile 80 — his own Heartbreak Hill, if you will — as he’ll experience a 400-foot-plus incline in less than three miles.

You can continue to keep up with him “on the run” via Wired.com, on Twitter or through his personal sites, AndAdapt.com and Blind100.com. If you choose to Tweet him, use hashtag #blind100 and he may respond to you!

One thing is for sure: Wheatcroft is an inspiring figure who has worked through adversity to show that barriers can truly be overcome.

Comments (21)

  • Ghandi was a Republican
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 9:46pm

    I’m really heartbroke.. Is anyone going to tell him he’s running the wrong way?

    Report Post » Ghandi was a Republican  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 5:29pm

    I am visually impaired (no where near as bad as this man). This is very inspiring to me. It‘s hard to even go for a walk because you don’t know where the sidewalks are screwed up or if something is in the way, or if Mossbrain is standing in wait with a banana peel. But I walk anyway. God bless this man & good luck to him.

    Report Post »  
  • VotersOfNY
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 4:59pm

    Yawn. Big deal, he’s got dozens of people helping him. Why doesn’t he just stay home and watch television?

    Report Post » VotersOfNY  
  • DallyWama
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 3:38pm

    I wonder how many people will stop and ask him for directions?

    Report Post »  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 12:56pm

    Hopefully we can all get inspiration from this man. While I have better things to do than run. I hope he makes it.

    Report Post »  
  • mossbrain
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 11:33am

    I saw that guy running once. I was eating a banana and had carelessly thrown the banana peel out in the road. Sorry about that, guy. Good thing he was blind, I didn’t even have to run away after he fell, I just stood real still and quiet and he thought I had left.

    Report Post » mossbrain  
  • tiredofprogressives
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 9:32am

    Who Cares?
    Is this supposed to be inspirational?

    This is like a hot dog eating contest.

    Report Post » tiredofprogressives  
    • piper60
      Posted on June 26, 2011 at 7:05am

      Some people have compassion enough to be inspired by such things.

      Report Post » piper60  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 9:00am

    I hope he does well!! I hope he doesn’t run in circles!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • VLADTEPES
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 8:40am

    Good for him..

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 8:08am

    GOD BLESS him!

    Makes us all see (no pun intended) what slovenly creatures most of us are. I, for one, am seriously ashamed of my sloth. I have kept discipline at arm’s length, and it shows from the inside out.

    Perhaps, if we all could exercise, even if it is just walking 3-5 miles a day, our brains would work. I know our spirits do.

    GOD BLESS us all as we once again endeavor to be better than we’ve allowed ourselves to be.

    I believe this is called COURAGE.

    Report Post »  
  • SAINT_09
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 7:52am

    If he can do this, I have no excuse not to go for a couple miles jog.

    Report Post »  
  • treshall
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 7:50am

    Yet another testament to the awesome power of the human spirit. For all who may be interested in a similarly uplifting piece, Hot Air is currently (6/25/11 @ 8 a.m.) featuring Marcia Morrissey’s “Being there is Enough”, also about loss of sight. Truly inspiring.

    Report Post »  
  • SAINT_09
    Posted on June 25, 2011 at 7:49am

    Cool!!!

    Report Post »  
    • jeffyfreezone
      Posted on June 25, 2011 at 8:04am

      I read a story awhile back about an obsessive runner. His body didn’t produce lactic acid, so he could really do major running. I saw an interview with a guy who was running a marathon I’n Death Valley. The reporter asked the runner how it was going while he was running, and the guy says I don’t know what I was thinking, this is crazy. You could see the heat monkeys coming off the road behind him. Endorphins really are the best drug I‘n the world but a marathon I’n Death Valley? MAN!

      Report Post »  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 25, 2011 at 9:07am

      AWESOME!

      I knew Ronnie Milsap’s manager, who told me that ronnie joggs around his Nashville property every day!

      KUDOS to these men!

      I don’t think I would be able to do so well if I had their challenges.
      WAY TO GO!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • fastfacts
      Posted on June 25, 2011 at 9:08am

      THIS IS AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL

      We need to get out and do something new and beyond our abilities. Because, come to find out, not as many things are beyond our abilities if we put our mind to it.

      Like if I want to learn to break dance, I don’t have to be a 20 year old to do it. If an ape can do it, then why can’t I: http://tiny.cc/uk65u

      Report Post »  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on June 25, 2011 at 9:15am

      May his path be clear.

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on June 25, 2011 at 9:20am

      FASTFACTS, we have a generation learning to push the limits – our brave men and women coming back from war. God bless them and America!

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 25, 2011 at 11:31am

      Good luck, God speed and may fortune be found in pursuing your dreams.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  

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