The workshop with Achilles International was a powerful and eye-opening experience (literally!). We were blindfolded to simulate what it’s like to run without sight, which really helped us understand the level of trust and communication needed between a guide and a visually impaired runner.

We then took turns guiding and being guided during short runs, learning the ropes—quite literally! The team also walked us through different types of visual impairments and how to tailor our support depending on the individual's needs.

It was informative, inspiring, and left all of us with a deeper appreciation for accessible running and the strength of the Achilles community. Huge thanks to the organisers and participants!

Last night, the London chapter of the Achilles International crew hosted their weekly group run in Hyde Park for the first time. The members of the all-abilities guide running charity met at Lancaster Gate station, before we all made our way over the Italian Gardens to establish a bag drop location. 6 visually impaired runners (Andrew, Andy, Mark N, Yahya, Naqi and Brendan) and many guides (including first time Goodgym participant Olivia- welcome!) enjoyed some excellent laps of the Royal Park on a very warm evening. A successful session, thanks to the efforts of all of our volunteers.

Join us at Stratford Olympic Park next week!

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-0ff3f6ac-768b-458e-ab8e-d6cd6053878e

The first ever Runthrough Relay event was hosted on Thursday evening in Stratford Olympic Park, and the team from Achilles International were thrilled to participate! Our VI (visually impaired) runners and sighted guides made up 4 teams of 3 runners each, ready to run a baton around 5km of the West Ham Stadium, City Mill River Path and across the Iron Bridge. 134 teams from all across London were lined up ready to run from the Pool Street Market- an incredible atmosphere on the night!

Behind the scenes, volunteer coordinators Simon Fitzmaurice, Chris Blackabee and Mark Durban had spent a few weeks of organising and messaging to make sure that every VI runner had a guide, and that everyone knew where to meet and when to run. It was amazing to see a plan come together, and all of our Achilles International crew were able to cheer and celebrate each others achievements.

Well done to everyone running, guiding, dog minding (Mario and Spike!), coordinating and cheering from the side lines. Thank you for a wonderful evening of running!

On a glorious May Day evening, the crew from the UK chapter of Achilles International (an all abilities guide running charity) met up for a smashing run around Green Park.

This week, we were joined by a collection of London Marathon running heroes (Mark Colby and Andrew Jones ran exceptionally well considering the heat). We also had the pleasure of joining Siri, the daughter of UK chapter founder, Chris Blackabee for her birthday celebrations. A wonderful evening of celebrations for all involved!

Next week, we will be meeting at Stratford Underground station for top running fun in the Olympic Park.

Sign up here to get involved: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-6575e329-1470-4a07-959a-abcd36058c26

Last night, Achilles International UK welcomed 10 visually impaired runners to our weekly group run session- this time at Paddington Rec Track, Maida Vale. Our runners included first timers Yahya and Tanja (training for The Big Half and Kingston Half Marathon) and returning distance runner Khalid (ready to run London Marathon on Sunday). Fellow VI runners preparing for London Marathon included Andrew Jones and Mark Colby- look out for the distinctive Achilles International yellow tops if you are spectating on Sunday!

A bumper turnout this week, especially for new guides too- well done to James and Jess for shadowing and guide running on their first session with Achilles. Goodgym runners Andy, Stephen and Daniel were brilliant VI guides for Andrew, Tanja and Mark. Big thanks to Kim for looking after beautiful guide dog Mario too, while his owner Andrew ran his last pre-race shake out session. Good luck to all pf our Achilles International UK racers on Sunday!

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We will be back on Thursday 1st May at Green Park:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-green-park-summer-session-f62d4df4-cda9-44bc-a79f-d3cf33e87cd3

It was an absolute joy to return to Green Park for the first time in 2025 with the team from Achilles International. Every week, the members of the London chapter of Achilles (an all abilities accessible sports charity) host a guided group run in various locations across London. Green Park only becomes an option in the Summertime, as the evenings get lighter.

6 VI runners and plenty of volunteers were on hand to run, support, bag watch and to befriend guide dogs (the best task in my opinion). Lots of VI runners training for races, as we approach peak event season- very exciting!

Next session with Achilles International

Next Thursday, we will be running at Stratford Olympic Park, meeting at the Westfield exit of the underground at 6pm.

Sign up here to get involved:

https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/come-and-guide-run-with-achilles-international-olympic-park-stratford-route-d35d794a-d813-4cb4-ba66-13782bb31631