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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.
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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.
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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.
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