Asfordby Hill pupils give thumbs up to blind running aid

Running Line inventor Mark Beeby and Loughborough University presented the invention to Year 6 pupils at the school to help raise awareness of the line and give pupils the chance to experience what it’s like to run with sight problems.

The Running Line is a 30-metre line pulled taut between two posts with a sliding directional guide which the runner holds.

A buffer is placed five metres from the end of the line, warning the runner how far is left.

It is already helping to give blind children the confidence to run unaided which helps to build speed and stamina.

During the session the pupils first walked along the line to gain trust, then got to run along the line and race their partner.

Asfordby Hill pupil Zach Linskey (11) has nystagmus, which reduces vision, and was a big fan of the Running Line which was developed here in Leicestershire.

“As I was running it really helped me and guided me to where I needed to be,” he said.

“I think it is really good for people who have poor eyesight to help encourage them to run and give them confidence to compete.”

Fellow pupil Jason Halliday (11) added: “I wore goggles to make me feel what it is like to have problems seeing.

“I was quite nervous at first, but by the end I was racing my friend Zach, who has nystagmus. He beat me 2-1. The line helped us both.”

For more information on the Running Line, contact Mark Beeby on 07889 321858