Emdad Rahman
Barking parkrun has been deemed a suitable location for blind runners and both volunteers and runners enjoyed welcoming back two blind friends.
Both runners had finished off 2018 at Barking Park and were back for a 2019 meet, greet and of course a gentle Saturday morning run alongside friendly volunteers, locals and tourists.
Race Director Chris Heslegrave introduced both guests to the running contingent before the ever popular weekly 5K commenced.
The Barking parkrun is a fun, free event organised by volunteers for the benefit of everyone.
Severine Renard from Liege, Belgium achieved a Personal Best alongside her pacer Andy Hiller. She said, “I really enjoyed my last visit to Barking parkrun and the hospitality from local friendly people was great. I’m fortunate that I get to make lots of great friends when I’m touring. Thank you for everyone at Barking parkrun for taking care of me.”
Chris Blackabee used to live in Esst London but is now living in Hereford. He commented, “I’ve been told that our presence has inspired blind people to consider taking part at Barking parkrun and this is terrific news as far as I’m concerned.”
According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People the estimated number of people living with sight loss in England is 1.7 million.
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