Find a Guide: Guide running for blind and partially sighted athletes

Guide running course video

Running is something everyone should be able to enjoy. For blind and partially sighted runners, having the right support can unlock confidence, connection and the freedom to move safely and independently.

For guide runners, it’s an opportunity to make a real difference - sharing your love of running while helping someone else take part.

There are currently over 480 licensed guide runners available across England.

Looking for someone to guide your running? Search for trained guide runners near you.

Find a guide

Support a blind or partially sighted runner and make a difference.

Become a guide runner
Guide running with a tether

Quick Look

  • Who it’s for: Blind and partially sighted runners and volunteer guide runners 
  • Time commitment: Flexible – varies depending on your availability and pairing 
  • Training: Provided for guide runners 
  • Safety checks: DBS and safeguarding training required for licensed guides 
  • Location: Nationwide 

What is guide running?

Guide runners support blind and partially sighted runners by running alongside them, providing communication, guidance and support to help them navigate their surroundings safely.

Rachael running race with guide runner Neal

Why get involved?

Guide running creates meaningful benefits for everyone involved. 

For blind or partially sighted runners: 

  • Build confidence and independence 
  • Access running safely and regularly 
  • Feel part of a supportive and inclusive community 

For guide runners: 

  • Make a real and lasting difference 
  • Develop new communication and guiding skills 
  • Build strong and rewarding running partnerships 
Learning to be a guide runner at a Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running course

How it works

To become licensed, you’ll need to: 

  • Complete a DBS (criminal record) check 
  • Complete safeguarding and first aid training (Undertake the mandatory Safeguarding (Educare Safeguarding Adults in Sport) and First Aid training. Details of how to book these courses are provided as part of the Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running workshop booking). 

This means you: 

  • Are covered by England Athletics insurance when guiding 
  • Meet minimum safety and quality standards 
  • Can be listed on the “Find a Guide” national database 

England Athletics strongly encourages guide runners to become licensed to help ensure a safe, supportive, and high-quality experience for everyone involved. 

Become a guide runner
Guide runner with a running group

Find a Guide

Our Find a Guide database, developed in collaboration with British Blind Sport, connects blind and partially sighted runners with trained and licensed guide runners — helping to build partnerships that make running more inclusive, supportive, and accessible for all.

Looking for someone to guide your running? Search for trained guide runners near you.

Find a Guide

If you’d like to learn more, you can watch our Find A Guide video or listen to the Find A Guide audio file.