Edinburgh Marathon runners Javi and Nuria champion inclusive running for people with sight loss

Javi Lorenzo Sol, 53, and Núria Martí-Andrés, 48, originally from Catalonia, have lived in Edinburgh for more than four years. Javi has Retinitis Pigmentosa, a genetic eye condition that causes progressive sight loss. Diagnosed in childhood, his vision has gradually deteriorated over time, and he now has around five per cent vision.

The couple are preparing to run the Edinburgh Marathon together as a sighted guide running team. Through their challenge, they hope to raise funds for Sight Scotland while also highlighting the importance of sighted guide running and the need for greater inclusion, awareness, and support for blind and partially sighted runners.

A shared dream built on trust and determination

Javi, a retired chef, and Nuria, a finance director, decided to move to Edinburgh because the city’s softer light, cloud cover, and gentler weather conditions make everyday life easier for someone living with sight loss.

Nuria explains: “The environment in Edinburgh just suits Javi’s vision better, we decided to move here around 4 years ago, and we now call it home. Javi has always loved running, but as his vision started to get progressively worse, he found it harder to keep doing it alone. So that is when we made the decision to do this together. I never liked running, but I did it for Javi and now I love it."

Javi comments: “Running is a big passion of mine. When my sight worsened, running alone became difficult and sometimes unsafe. That was when Nuria stepped in. She did not enjoy running at first, but she began guiding me so I could keep doing what I loved. Together we have learned that disability does not define you, and that with support, anything is possible. We now want to inspire others.

“For us, guided running is about much more than fitness. It is a constant practice of communication, awareness and trust. We have had to learn how to move as one.”

Sighted guide running allows blind and partially sighted people to run safely with the support of a trained guide runner. Communication, trust, and teamwork are central to the experience, helping visually impaired runners stay active, independent, and connected to their communities.

Nuria says: “Sighted guiding is a skill that takes practice. It involves constant listening, communication and awareness. No two runners are the same, so guides need to learn what works for each person. Running as a guided running couple is a big part of who we are. It gives us a shared purpose and really strengthens our relationship. Running supports both our physical health and our mental wellbeing, and I can see the difference it makes to Javi’s confidence and happiness, mine as well. It is worth every step.”

Running to support people with sight loss across Scotland

Javi and Nuria chose to support Sight Scotland because of the charity’s work supporting blind and partially sighted people across the country through education, rehabilitation, community services, and practical support.

Javi explains: “We chose to fundraise for Sight Scotland because I know firsthand how challenging it can be to live with a visual impairment, and how life changing the right support can be. People need someone they can turn to, someone who understands what they are going through. Sight Scotland does so many incredible things for people across the country, through rehabilitation, helping people at home, through education and so much more. The right support can change everything. Visual impairment does not limit what you can achieve.

“I also hope that by working together we can make sighted guiding and running more accessible for everyone. I want visually impaired runners to have this option, and for race organisers to understand what they need to provide to make their events inclusive.”

Nuria says: “Accessibility is something we deeply believe in, not just as a necessity for people with disabilities, but as something that improves life, participation, and inclusion for everyone. For us, running is a powerful example of how the right support can open doors, boost confidence and just make people feel better about themselves.”

The couple hope their marathon challenge will inspire more visually impaired people to try running and encourage greater understanding of accessible sport and inclusive fitness opportunities.

Javi adds: “Our dream is to set up a sighted guide running group with Sight Scotland, so visually impaired runners the chance to run with confidence, build community and have the support and opportunity to take part safely and regularly.

“If I can inspire even one person to start running, that would be amazing. Supporting Sight Scotland is an honour, and our motto is “no limits” – everything is possible.”