Keith Turner, a 56-year-old blind runner from Brighton, has completed a half marathon aided only by a guide runner using sleigh bells.

He has applied to Guinness World Records to set a first time world record for a blind person to run a half marathon in the fastest time, with no physical directional contact.

Keith ran the course in two hours and eight minutes supported by Jim Roberts, an experienced guide runner. Jim ran slightly ahead and to one side of Keith holding a fishing rod with high frequency sleigh bells attached to it, so that Keith could follow the sound.

The feat took place at September’s Great North Run in Newcastle. This is the world’s biggest half marathon and attracts 60,000 runners each year. The 2023 event also marked Mo Farah’s last half marathon and the organisers handed out bells to the crowd, creating an unexpected problem for Keith and Jim.

Keith said:

‘It was an amazing experience. The support from the crowd was fantastic, but it was like a tunnel of noise so I had to concentrate on every step. Towards the end I had to walk quite a bit because I couldn’t hear Jim’s sleigh bells over the sound of about 30,000 people ringing bells to celebrate Mo Farah’s last half marathon! I’m pretty sure I could run a quieter course faster.’

Guinness World Records need lots of evidence including witnesses, pictures and media coverage to establish a new record. Keith is hopeful of success because he was chuffed to hear commentators Paula Radcliffe, Tanni Grey-Thompson and Steve Cram mention his run on the BBC. The whole process can take over six months and Keith should hear soon whether he will make it into the record books.

Great North Run organisers helped to set up the challenge and arranged for Wayne Dennis, a local cyclist, to be a witness and verify that there was no directional physical contact on the route. They also took good care of Keith and Jim, giving them access to the VIP area after the run.

Keith’s top tip for other blind or visually impaired people who want to do a sport is to surround yourself with positive people who will help you to do that. He recommends getting in touch with British Blind Sport or trying out a tethered run at a local parkrun.

Photo: The Great Run Company