VI Guide & Running Community parkrun initiative in Hove wins award

At Hove Promenade parkrun, inclusion isn’t an add-on, it’s at the heart of everything.

The Visually Impaired (VI) Guide Initiative, launched in 2018, has transformed how people with sight loss experience community running.

Since launching, more than 50 visually-impaired runners have been able to participate in parkrun, with around 30 active guides. 

The initiative has been recognised with the Inclusion and Diversity award at the Sussex Sport and Physical Activity Awards 2025.

The group said: “What began as a local response to limited opportunity is now a model of best practice, inspiring other parkruns to make accessibility central to their culture.

“Before our initiative, visually impaired runners often relied on chance or informal help.

“Recognising this barrier, our parkrun ambassador led conversations that revealed the need for a structured, welcoming system for VI runners and guides.

“The programme was built collaboratively, not for, but with visually impaired participants, ensuring equality and empowerment from the start.”

VI runner Keith said: “It means everything because otherwise I can’t run outside safely. I can run on the treadmill, but it’s nothing like running outside really.

“So it’s a sense of freedom and being part of such a wonderful community, meeting friends. It’s just amazing.”

Phillipa from Hove Promenade parkrun said: “This award means an incredible amount because it’s testimony to both the runners who have informed us and helped us understand what’s needed and the guiding volunteer group who have given their time to support the inclusion in our parkrun.”