Boston 26.2: Episode 1
Guiding Greatness: How Visually Impaired Runners and Guides Conquered the 2025 Boston Marathon
Brett Sims, a visually impaired athlete, Cheyenne Meyer, and Dara Dalmata discussed their experiences at the 2025 Boston Marathon. Brett highlighted the challenges of navigating crowded water stations and fast runners, underscoring the key role of guides in ensuring safety. Both Brett and Cheyenne explained how athletes and guides meet through networking, social media, and adaptive sports groups. Dara described how community running clubs and local charities foster Boston Marathon participation. Overall, the conversation emphasized inclusion, the importance of teamwork between guides and runners, and the vibrant, supportive culture surrounding the Boston Marathon Enjoy the episode! Here are the highlights from our conversation:
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Guided Running Enables Inclusion and Achievement:
Running the Boston Marathon as a visually impaired athlete, with the assistance of a guide, demonstrates that physical challenges do not preclude accomplishing major goals or finding joy in the sport. Brett emphasized the fulfillment and fun in showing others what’s possible with low vision. -
Navigational Challenges Are Significant for Para Athletes:
The crowded Boston Marathon course is especially tricky for visually impaired runners. Water stations and the influx of faster runners (wave one) present hazards, requiring guides and athletes to coordinate closely and often stay to the side of the course for safety. -
Guiding Requires Partnership, Planning, and Adaptability:
Guides play a vital safety and logistical role, adjusting for pace, crowd dynamics, and course obstacles. Pairing happens through running groups, social media, adaptive organizations, and databases like United in Stride—matching guides and athletes by pace, needs, and personality compatibility. -
Community Connections Foster Opportunity:
Both getting into the Boston Marathon and finding guides often depend on networking and local running communities. In cities, adaptive groups and clubs facilitate these connections, while in smaller areas, athletes and guides often have to network more independently. -
Boston’s Culture Inspires Participation and Perseverance:
The Boston Marathon, particularly for those living near Hopkinton, inspires runners and non-runners alike. The town’s charity bib programs, running clubs, and visible local support help people of all backgrounds take up running, qualify for Boston, or participate through volunteerism and fundraising.
Show Notes
Note: Episode summary and transcript has been generated by AI tools and may have some errors
Episode Outline
0:00 - Episode Summary
1:40 - Introduction
4:13 - playing tetras - what it takes to run Boston Marathon as visually impaired
6:28 - How do you find a guide (s)?
13:03 - Getting into Boston
18:15 - Planning the logistics of running Boston Marathon as out of town runner
21:01 - Race day experience - 2025 Boston Marathon
26:29 What’s next for Brett, Cheyenne and Dara?
Mentions & Links
- United in Stride - This database connects runners who are blind/low vision with guides in their area by searching their zip code. There are also great resources, like a tutorial video, links to tethers, etc.
- Team with a Vision - This is the organization we run with, and the org that has helped Brett run all of his marathons! They connect athletes who are low vision with guides and help them out with the logistics of race weekend. They also offer charity bibs to runners who want to run Boston Marathon and raise money for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
- For all the people who want to get involved with blind sports to search 'adaptive sports organizations near me' on Google. Whether it's the United States Association of Blind Athletes, Achilles International, Dare2tri, Team Catapult...there are organizations across the U.S. (and across the globe) that support athletes with disabilities. This is a great way to get involved, whether you are an athlete or someone who wants to support these athletes through volunteering, guiding or even fundraising
Hopkinton Running Club - http://runhopkinton.org/
Transcript
Host: Kamal Datta Guests: Brett Sims, Cheyenne Meyer, Dara Dalmata Introduction Kamal Datta: Welcome to the pod! Today, I'm thrilled to have Brett Sims, Cheyenne Meyer, and Dara Dalmata with us. Together, they've experienced the highs, challenges, and unique joys of running the Boston Marathon, especially within the para athlete and guiding communities. Let’s get started with quick introductions. Meet the Guests Brett Sims From Northwest Ohio Factory worker, looking for a new path Veteran Boston Marathon runner (seven times, last three in the para division) Cheyenne Meyer Originally from Texas, now in Ohio Guide for visually impaired runners for nearly 10 years Background in collegiate running and triathlon Dara Dalmata Resident of Hopkinton, Massachusetts (Boston Marathon start line) Started marathoning in 2007, multiple-time Boston Marathon participant and guide Running Boston with Visual Impairment Kamal: What does it mean to run Boston as someone with low vision, Brett? Brett: It's about showing others that regardless of vision, you can still accomplish great things and enjoy the race. I love running, and I don’t plan on stopping. Challenges on Race Day Crowded Course: Navigating the pack is especially tough at the beginning. Water stations are a major obstacle—getting water without bumping into or being run into by other runners can feel like a game of "Tetris". Wave One Runners: The para division starts after the elite women but before wave one. Around mile 3, fast runners catch up, leading to a stampede-like situation. Brett and his guide stick to the side of the road to avoid collisions. Guiding Perspective Dara: Staying straight helps, but moving over for water or avoiding crowds is the hardest, especially with wave one coming through. Wearing "guide" or "blind" on our backs helps others give us some space. Guide & Athlete Matchmaking Kamal: How do guides and runners pair up? Finding Guides: Social media and running groups (e.g., Facebook) Adaptive sports organizations (Achilles, Team Catapult) Online community databases (United in Stride) Key Factors: Matching pace and comfort levels Networking, especially in rural areas Willingness to support, learn, and connect Cheyenne: Started guiding after seeing an athlete with a visual impairment at a triathlon. The experience changed her outlook, giving her both fulfillment and perspective. There are many groups and tools to help match guides and runners, both locally and nationally. Getting Into Boston Brett and Dara’s Paths: Brett started with 5ks, worked up to marathons, and ran his first Boston after qualifying with a sub-five-hour marathon. Dara was inspired by her local running club in Hopkinton, qualified on her first try, and found the inclusive culture contagious. Hopkinton has two main running clubs, both of which support runners all the way from Couch to 5k to Boston qualification. Many charity bibs are available for those raising money for local causes. Logistics: Travel and Lodging Brett: For his first Boston, he traveled with family and stayed in Brookline; now, friends (his guides) pick him up and host him in Hopkinton, making race day logistics far easier. Staying with friends provides community support and avoids the early shuttle chaos. Cheyenne: As a first-time Boston runner, staying in Hopkinton with Brett’s community made everything much smoother—no 4AM shuttles, direct access to the start, and a welcoming pre-race environment. Race Day Highlights Para Division Perks: Staging near the start line. No need to trek from Athlete’s Village. Community Support: Local fans know the runners by name and cheer them on. Iconic Moments: Passing Wellesley’s “Scream Tunnel,” high-fives, and funny motivational signs. After-Party: A relaxed bus ride back to Hopkinton and post-race celebrations. Cheyenne: First experience as a guide at Boston brought nerves and excitement. Found meaning in helping Brett and sharing in the unique atmosphere. What’s Next? Brett: Planning on his eighth Boston and first Chicago Marathon, with ambitions for other marathon majors. Cheyenne: Aiming to qualify next year with another athlete, excited to guide more, and preferring not to run solo. Dara: Recently finished back-to-back marathons, plans on more 5ks, and is Boston-qualified for next year. Reflections and Inspiration Kamal: Running, guiding, and supporting each other showcases the power of community, perseverance, and inclusion. Thank you, Brett, Cheyenne, and Dara, for sharing your stories, and best of luck on your upcoming races!