Blind runner Hannah Pascoe has turned her dream of running marathons into a reality.
Southlander Pascoe, who lost her sight in 2010, will compete in the Cadbury Dunedin Half Marathon on Sunday and the New York Marathon in November, with the help of Achilles International New Zealand volunteer guides.
Born with congenital glaucoma, Pascoe's retinas detached and within a year she went from 'having vision to having nothing'.
'I have no day or night vision but because I have seen before it helps out a lot and it makes it easier to get around.
'Running is a good way of keeping mentally healthy for me and it's good for your general outlook on life. I am doing everything if not more. Life is good. 'Even just to run a half marathon. I never thought I would ever be able to do that.
'the New York Marathon had always been a dream of mine. It will be my second time competing in both of these events'.
Pascoe, who had been 'serious' about running for the past two years, enjoyed the 'physical and mental challenge'.
'The physical challenge in it . . . when you are running you can think about anything and switch off. It's a sense of freedom . . . that feeling knowing you're getting fitter and fitter'.
'[It's] the people you meet . . . A lot of people have that assumption that running isn't that sociable but it is,'' she said.
Training for the half marathon, which would be Pascoe's third this year, had been 'cruisy'.
'I have a good idea of what to expect from it. Training has been pretty cruisy. I have been doing some inclines on the treadmill to strengthen my legs and to get ready for those big bridges in New York. I completed the Christchurch and Taupo Half [Marathons] earlier this year'.
Pascoe said if it was not for Achilles International New Zealand, a body she was introduced to last year, she would not have had the opportunity to fulfil her dream.
'They give people with disabilities that opportunity to do big events. They are sighted guides and support people who are always willing to help you out.'
Pascoe will run with Achilles International New Zealand volunteer guides Andrew Moreton and Brennan Loft on Sunday.
'It's really just about doing it and having fun. I am very excited about Sunday. I can't wait.
'It's quite overwhelming sometimes with the number of people that compete. It's cool... I can hear the talking and the footsteps. You are never bored', she said.
