Are you a runner with vision loss? Have you ever thought of running a marathon? If not, this may inspire you to dust off your running shoes. If you are a runner, this may inspire you to push yourself to the next level.
In partnership with VSP® Vision Care, the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) will host the 4th Annual USABA Marathon National Championship, held in conjunction with the California International Marathon (CIM) on December 2, 2012 in Sacramento, CA.
Since the first race in 2007, this event has become one of the premier distance running destinations for runners who are blind or visually impaired. The course provides runners and their guides a very fast, point-to-point, net-downhill marathon with a spectacular finish in front of the California State Capitol. The California International Marathon is certified and sanctioned by USA Track & Field and is a Boston Marathon and Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier.
Currently, USABA has 17 blind or visually impaired runners from the United States and three runners from other countries signed up to finish a full marathon as well as five relay teams, including two military teams. These numbers far exceed past years and goals for this year's marathon, with the years to come USABA and VSP® Vision Care only expect growing participation.
Thanks to the support of VSP® Vision Care and private donors, USABA is providing funding to offset expenses for USABA members. Funding will be made available to select North American runners as well as a limited number of international runners.
For more information about USABA please visit www.usaba.org and for more information about VSP Vision Care visit www.facebook.com/vspvisioncare.
Now, get out there and get running!
Marathon runners photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
