Blind Runners Form National Group

Sixty-seven-year-old volunteer Xiao Yingjie is a dedicated runner who often trains at 5:30 AM with three other runners. Volunteers facilitate the group's activities to support runners in finding connection. The national organization facilitates participation in large-scale sporting events. Cai Yongqiang, who once felt his world was limited, found a new community and passion through running, particularly with the Dark Running Group, a nationwide running organization. The group's activities offer a sense of belonging and purpose, with participants finding joy and mutual support through running. In Wuxi, China, a group of 2,300 runners, including 67-year-old volunteer Xiao Ying, are participating in a local running event, said community and personal achievement. Over 2,300 participants are involved in a small-scale running event, with volunteers like 67-year-old Xiao Yingjie training runners early in the morning. Yang Xinde is using drones for spring plowing for the fifth year, having first adopted the technology in 2022. The group currently has more than 13,000 registered members, including over 3,000 people with disabilities. Since 2024, the organization has organized more than 3,000 activities to promote accessibility and social equality through sports. One member reported completing 10 marathons this year, including three full marathons, with a personal best time of 3 hours and 52 minutes. The Dark Running Group is a national organization for visually impaired runners, promoting the concept of "barrier-free sports, barrier-free hearts." It encourages and assists visually impaired individuals in participating equally in social activities.