Putting one foot in front of the other for 26.2 miles. That’s what Seth Waterman plans to do on Marathon Monday. But there’s one other thing he will be doing. He’ll be guiding a visually impaired runner.
"I love running, and I love sharing it with other people, and this is a great way to do it," Seth explained.
Seth is a volunteer with the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, also known as MABVI.
"Volunteers are the heart and soul of what MABVI does," said Kyle Robidoux, the director of volunteer and support group services. He is also a visually impaired runner.
"It think it embodies the spirit of trying to break down challenges and push through any barriers that either ourselves or other people put on us," he said.
The organization pairs volunteers with visually impaired runners so that they can share their sight during races.
Seth runs with fellow athletes like Joyce Cron. During races, they both hold onto a cord.
"I put a loop on the end so you can grab it easily, and it helps with feeling whether he goes fast of slow," Joyce said.
Joyce has a degenerative eye disease that has left her with limited vision. She says volunteer guides allow her to keep doing what she loves.
"It really opened up a whole new world for me," she said.
And on Monday, the pairs will put one foot in front of the other together to cross the finish line.
"It’s a different race experience. It’s a team effort and both of you have to work together to make it," Joyce said.
If you want to volunteer as a guide, but 26.2 miles is too much, don’t worry. Guides are needed for all distances.
To see how you can help, visit here.
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