Chicago Marathon 2025: Visually-impaired runner Tim Paul prepares for Bank of America Chicago Marathon race day October 12
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Sunday, tens of thousands of runners will take to the streets for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Running more than 26 miles is not an easy take. Running it while you’re blind is a whole new challenge.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

On Friday, 67-year-old Tim Paul walked with help down State Street in the Loop, but on Sunday, he will be running there as part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon course.

Paul lost his sight in his 20s, making his goal of running a marathon quite a bit a bit more challenging, but not impossible. Sunday will be his 24th marathon.

“I also don’t want people to see me as only blind. I want them to see me as a marathon runner,” Paul said.

He trains while tethered to a guide runner, who helps him navigate around the track. He’s determined not to let his loss of sight keep him from enjoying life.

Paul has also done triathlons, downhill skiing, and he is also a musician. Now, he can add movie star to his list of credits. Producer Kamelya Alexan has done a feature film about his life, called “I’m only blind.”

“Tim is just such an inspiring story,” Alexan said. “His story stands out from anyone I’ve ever met in Chicago.”

The movie has a showing coming up Oak Park. It also shows Paul working at his full time at The Chicago Lighthouse, which provides services for people with numerous physical challenges including blindness.

Aaron Baar/The Chicago Lighthouse tc 25:19

“I think Tim has encouraged people,” said Aaron Baar with The Chicago Lighthouse. “The story has encouraged people to think about doing more.”

Paul says the experience of being in a movie was not something he ever expected. He’s just trying to get the most out of life, and along the way help others to not let their challenges keep them from doing what they want.

“Not to say no to challenges, but to say yes,” Paul said.

SEE ALSO | Charity runners gear up for Bank of America Chicago Marathon: ‘For something bigger than themselves’

Paul is also running in the Rise to Shine 10K/5K/1M with The Chicago Lighthouse on Sunday, Oct. 19. It’s a race that’s open and accessible to all levels and abilities.

It might be challenging to find Paul among the sea of 50,000 runners in the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, but people will have the opportunity to see him on the big screen at the movie theater.

There will be a special screening of “I’m Only Blind” at Classic Cinemas in Oak Park at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27.

For more information on the film and to purchase tickets, visit the Classic Cinemas’ website.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Elizabeth Smart blasts Ghislaine Maxwell’s ‘country club’ prison treatment: ‘Makes me sick’

Elizabeth Smart Condemns Ghislaine Maxwell’s Luxurious Prison Conditions: ‘It’s Sickening

Elizabeth Smart has expressed her strong disapproval over reports that Ghislaine Maxwell,…
LA deputies caught on camera racing into foggy ocean to rescue disoriented paragliders

Heroic LA Deputies Brave Foggy Waters to Rescue Stranded Paragliders in Daring Ocean Rescue

In a dramatic rescue caught on camera, two Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies…
Inside Brittany Murphy and her husband's deaths at 'haunted' home

Unraveling the Mysteries: The Tragic Tale of Brittany Murphy, Her Husband, and Their Haunted Hollywood Home

Sixteen years after her untimely passing left Hollywood reeling, the spotlight returns…
Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people

Breaking News: Suspect Apprehended at Birmingham Crime Scene – Full Story Inside

The Birmingham Police Department has made an arrest following a tragic shooting…
Dec. 21 marks the darkest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere

December 21: Northern Hemisphere Experiences Its Shortest Day of the Year

This year’s winter solstice brings with it some fascinating celestial phenomena worth…
Sick new details about Jeffrey Epstein's crimes revealed after DOJ releases files from unsealed grand jury materials

Newly Unsealed Grand Jury Documents Unveil Disturbing Details of Jeffrey Epstein’s Crimes

Recent documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice shed light on…
State Attorney's Office to seek death penalty for suspect in deadly Putnam County stabbing

State Attorney’s Office Pursues Death Penalty for Suspect in Fatal Putnam County Stabbing Incident

State Attorney R.J. Larizza emphasized that the “savage and unrelenting nature of…
Minnesota Vikings team plane makes emergency landing en route to New York Giants game

Vikings’ Journey to Giants Game Interrupted: Emergency Landing Ensures Team’s Safety

On Saturday afternoon, a flight carrying the Minnesota Vikings had to make…