This article was originally written by James Gamble for SWNS — the U.K.’s largest independent news agency, providing globally relevant original, verified, and engaging content to the world’s leading media outlets.
On Sunday, Clarke Reynolds was one of over 14,000 people who participated in England’s Brighton Marathon. But completing the 26.2-mile course wasn’t the only thing he achieved: The 45-year-old also marked a technological milestone, becoming the first blind person to run a full marathon with the help of volunteers guiding him through his smart glasses.
The Portsmouth resident donned Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer smart glasses outfitted with a camera that connects to Be My Eyes, an AI app allowing people around the world to see his perspective on a smart device or laptop. Wearing the glasses, the braille artist and children’s author, who goes by the professional alias Mr Dot, completed the course in just under 6 hours and 20 minutes.
“I’m absolutely over the moon — we did it,” an elated Reynolds said after finishing the race, per a news release, adding: “My aim in doing this was to really push the boundaries of what this technology can do for me as a blind person, and I’ve done that.” His run raised over $3,500 for Fight for Sight, a nonprofit he’s an ambassador for that funds vision loss research in the U.K.
Reynolds inherited the eye disease retinitis pigmentosa and has only 5% of his vision, which he explained feels “like looking underwater.” The experienced runner previously completed the London Marathon with a guide, and was directed this time by both a slew of pre-selected virtual volunteers and Alaistair Ratcliffe, a trained guide runner who accompanied him in case of any difficulties.
Be My Eyes typically connects blind and low-vision users with volunteers from across the world. Prior to the Brighton Marathon, Reynolds’ volunteers were carefully selected and briefed, ensuring he could always reach familiar, prepared supporters whenever he required assistance, including his weeks of training. And during the event, they navigated him every step of the way.
“I love the idea that up to 300 people from all over the world — from Croydon to Kansas and Belfast to Bahrain — helped me to achieve it,” Reynolds said. “The potential of this technology for people with sight loss is incredible. It’s opening up a whole world of opportunity, and more and more people are using it in their everyday lives. There’s so much to be hopeful about.”
Although Reynolds was able to use the tech for nearly the entire route, broadband connectivity was occasionally lost due to the large number of attendees. During these moments, Ratcliffe, who was sponsored by The Richard Whitehead Foundation through their Supported Runner Project, stepped in to guide him safely until connection was restored. And when Reynolds crossed the finish line, Julie Sutton, a Be My Eyes volunteer, gave him his medal, which he then presented to Ratcliffe.
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to the brilliant Alaistair … as well as all the amazing volunteers who supported me and cheered me on through the Be My Eyes app [on the day] and throughout my training,” Reynolds said. “They’ve really kept me going on this incredible journey. It’s been one of the best experiences of my life!”
As incredible as Reynolds’ accomplishment was for him personally, he hopes it will serve a larger purpose of helping others with vision loss. “By running a marathon and using the tech in a way that hasn’t been done before, I’ve raised awareness and sparked so many conversations, which I hope will help to challenge society’s ideas about what blind people can do,” he shared.
Eleanor Southwood, Fight for Sight’s director of impact and external affairs, said: “We are so proud of Clarke. What he has achieved is extraordinary. We are so grateful to him for his support and to everyone who has so generously sponsored him.”
Though the marathon is over, Reynolds’ fundraiser is still running (pun intended): Click here to donate.
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