A Blind Artist’s Groundbreaking Marathon Attempt
Clarke Reynolds, known as Braille creative Mr. Dot, is preparing to make history by running the Brighton Marathon with the help of remote volunteers using artificial intelligence technology. This unique challenge could mark a world first for visually impaired individuals, as he relies on Meta AI glasses connected to an app called Be My Eyes.
The app, originally designed to assist visually impaired users with everyday tasks such as finding keys or choosing clothes, is being used in an entirely new way by Reynolds. Instead of simply helping with small household tasks, the app will support him throughout the 26.2-mile marathon course.
Reynolds, a 45-year-old from Portsmouth, is running for the Fight for Sight charity and has already gained significant attention for his ambitious plan. He shared with the Press Association: “When I got these glasses and the app, I was thinking: what could I do to push the boundaries of what this technology could do for the blind community? And I thought, you know what, let’s run a marathon again with complete strangers in my ear holes.”
Using Technology to Push Boundaries
The artist, who has Retinitis Pigmentosa, describes his vision as looking underwater, where he sees only shadows and shapes. He began using Rayban Meta AI glasses last year, which have helped him navigate art galleries and even experience art through the voice of Dame Judi Dench.
By connecting the app to the glasses, Reynolds can activate Be My Eyes through voice commands and be linked to a volunteer who can see through his glasses. These volunteers provide real-time guidance, pointing out obstacles like bins or parked cars, while also engaging in meaningful conversations.
“I have actual volunteers who look through the glasses … as if they’re got my bird’s eye view,” he said. “They support me by pointing out bins or parked cars, as well as having ‘amazing conversations’.”
Most volunteers are motivated by personal connections to sight loss, but the experience often leads to unexpected friendships. “I get so much in in the space of – what, 10-15 minutes? – and just chatting away and running, and before you know it, I’ve run three miles,” he explained.
Training with Remote Support
Reynolds has trained with over 100 volunteers so far, including a woman from Virginia, a Scottish woman in Thailand, and a retired naval officer in Canada. He described the experience as more flexible than previous marathons, where he relied on a guide.
“Instead, I’m finding it much easier running with remote help, doing laps of 0.8 miles around my home,” he said. “I’ve got my own pace now. There is no strain. I don’t have to rely on some different stride pattern.”
The conversations with volunteers often extend beyond the physical aspects of the run. “You get lost in conversation, just we talk about anything from the sport to the weather, especially if they’re from a foreign place. It’s the conversation of different people and from around the world, which I really enjoy.”
A Unique Challenge with Global Support
On marathon day, Fight for Sight is lining up volunteers, including family, friends, and potentially some unexpected celebrities, to help guide Reynolds to the finish line. While he hoped for TV presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell, she was unable to join but donated £250 to his fundraiser.
His initial fundraising target of £750 has since increased to £2,000, thanks to generous donations from Be My Eyes and others. Eleanor Southwood, director of impact and external affairs for Fight for Sight, praised Reynolds’ efforts: “Watching one of our ambassadors take on such an extraordinary challenge is phenomenal. As well as raising vital funds for our work, Clarke is raising awareness in a unique way by involving Be My Eyes volunteers along his route. We can’t wait to cheer him on!”
Art and Advocacy
Beyond the marathon, Reynolds continues to raise awareness through his art. He has held solo exhibitions across the globe and is set to unveil an art installation next year that features a shop with everything in Braille, from the brand to money and signage.
“This is what I’ve worked so hard for,” he said. “So you experience the shop through play and wear different glasses that simulate different sight loss conditions and you experience a daily thing I do every week.”
He emphasized the importance of opportunities for the blind community, stating: “We as the blind community can offer so much to a sighted world, just given the opportunity, not just through running, but through jobs.”
Despite his achievements, Reynolds still faces challenges in being taken seriously as an artist. “It’s still seen as a hobby because of being blind, and that needs to change,” he said. “I want to inspire the next generation of visually impaired children growing up that they’ve got a world that they can thrive in, it doesn’t matter if they can’t see it, they’re part of the fabric of society.”
