Blind Runner to Use Smart Glasses During Marathon in ‘World First’

Clarke Reynolds on May 17, 2022 Credit: David Clarke/Solent News/Shutterstock NEED TO KNOW Clarke Reynolds, who has 5% vision due to Retinitis Pigmentosa, will run the Brighton Marathon using smart glasses Volunteers worldwide will guide Reynolds in real-time through the Be My Eyes app connected to his smart glasses Reynolds previously completed the London Marathon with a guide A blind runner in England is set to take part in a marathon using smart glasses. On Thursday, April 2, the Fight for Sight charity announced in a press release that Clarke Reynolds, 45, will be participating in the upcoming Brighton Marathon on April 12. Officials said that hundreds of Be My Eyes volunteers will also be joining remotely to cheer on Reynolds, also known as Mr Dot, in what has been described as "a world first.

" The race will see volunteers viewing Reynold’s route via Meta and Be My Eyes. “ Be My Eyes is an app which connects people who are blind or have low vision with volunteers worldwide through live video and artificial intelligence,” the organization said, noting that the app will be connected to Reynold’s Rayban Meta Wayfarer smart glasses at the time of the race. Clarke Reynolds Credit: Clarke Reynolds/Instagram Volunteers will then take turns to “see what’s in front of” the runner, “through the glasses (from Clarke’s perspective) via the Be My Eyes app on their smart device or laptop and join his run remotely in real-time, supporting and encouraging him along the 26.

2-mile marathon route through the City. ” “Clarke’s volunteers will be carefully selected and briefed in advance, ensuring he can always reach familiar, prepared supporters when he needs assistance," the organization added. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Reynolds only has 5% vision after inheriting Retinitis Pigmentosa. The condition causes the retina to gradually stop working, according to Cleveland Clinic . Reynolds has been visually impaired in his right eye since he was 6 years old, but began going blind in his 30s, according to the BBC .