Courtesy: Running Eyes for the Blind

Running Eyes for the Blind (REFB) announces that one of its blind/visually impaired (B/VI) runners will be participating in the upcoming 3M Half Marathon on Sunday, February 2.

This is the first longer race in which a member from REFB will be participating. The Schlotzsky's 5K Bun Run on April 21, 2002 was REFB's first participation in a road race, with 18 B/VI runners/walkers and 30 sighted runners/walkers taking part. Leonel DeLeon, 23, who has been blind since birth, is excited about participating in this race and fulfilling his goal, not only for his own satisfaction but to inspire others.

"One thing it will do is let people know that anybody can do it, no matter what condition they're in."

Leonel appreciates the opportunity to represent REFB because the organization reawakened his love of running. He explained, "When REFB began last year, it brought back memories from high school and reminded me that I should have continued running. I want to progress." His goal is to finish the half marathon in less than 2 hours.

Margo Ahern, founder of REFB, is proud to see Lionel take on this challenge. She said, "Leonel has taken off with his running by continually setting goals for himself. Our sighted participants have enabled him to run in road races and to achieve a level of fitness that otherwise would not have been possible. We are honored to have Leonel as a member of REFB and can't wait to meet him at the finish line!"

Running Eyes for the Blind is an Austin, Texas-based recreational organization that has established a network of sighted volunteers who partner with blind and visually impaired (B/VI) members to participate in a variety of athletic events.