32 blind Hong Kong runners ready to hit the road in Taiwan marathon

Distance running is a gift of health, confidence and happiness for visually impaired people, according to some of the 32 Hong Kong athletes who will take part in the Taipei Fubon Marathon in Taiwan tomorrow.

Supported by a guide, four of the runners will tackle the 42km marathon; six will join the half marathon while another 22 will attempt the 9km race.

All represent HKLSS Blind Sports Hong Kong, whose team of 68 runners and guides is one of the biggest to represent the city's visually impaired athletes internationally.

"Running gives me good health, improves my positive mindset and brings out my confidence," 60-year-old Jimmy Wong Kin-lok said, before adding proudly: "And now my tummy is gone."

Wong will take part in the 9km race - a huge leap from his condition last year when he was barely able to stand after a stoke.

Teammate Ho Wing-luen, 57, also testified to the impact running had made on his life.

When glaucoma struck in his early 30s, forcing Ho out of work, his confidence deteriorated along with his eyesight. But he started running nine years ago and is now one of the city's top visually impaired runners.

In addition to the training offered by Blind Sports three times a week, he trains on his own at a standard loop near his house for two hours every day and boasts a marathon personal best of 3 hours 30 minutes.

"I don't run during a typhoon No10 or if there is thunder or lightning, but I still run if it's a T8," he said with a chuckle.

Their stories are among the many life-changing examples from Blind Sports, started by head coach Galen Lam Wai-keung seven years ago.

"At the first training session, there were only seven athletes; now there are more than 100 blind athletes," Lam, 46, said.

"Physically and mentally, there is a big change in these athletes - it helps them to regain their confidence and, for many, it also improves their condition."

The annual journey to Taiwan, now in its third year, is made possible through a HK$150,000 donation from the Vibram Hong Kong 100, the city's largest solo ultramarathon.

Yay Kui-hing, 53, will be running her seventh half marathon tomorrow. Two weeks ago, she ran a 10km personal best in 57 minutes 32 seconds and still cheers at the thought. "This weekend, my goal is to finish in the top three of the female visually impaired athletes."

Nora Wai, who will guide Yay in the Taipei race, said she was inspired by the runners' courage. "Their determination is beyond what you can imagine. They are so committed.

"For blind people, it's difficult to move around, let alone exercise. But when they join Blind Sports Hong Kong, someone is their eyes."

Indeed, Ho believes running is a real luxury. "Running is not impossible, but it takes a lot of dedication and help from the guides and our coach Lam; we are extremely grateful," he said. "I would feel uncomfortable in life if I didn't run."