Blind runners feed off energy from the crowd

NEW YORK - Jasmine Murrell would not be able to marvel at the stunning skyline or the massive crowd while she takes part in her first New York City Marathon on Nov 3, but the blind runner intends to feed off the race's "vibrations".

Her husband, Kevin Orcel, who also has glaucoma but at an earlier stage, is along for the ride.

"We'll be at the starting line together, and then after a mile or two, she's gone," he said with a smile.

Murrell has already completed a marathon, in Houston in January, while Orcel has only a dozen half-marathons under his belt.

Each runner will be accompanied by two volunteer guides from Achilles International, a global organisation that helps people with disabilities participate in athletics.

One of Murrell's two partners has been training with her.

"It's important," said the 36-year-old Murrell. "I feel like we have the connection. We understand each other. They already know what to call out and what's the best way to communicate with me."

She can see only "shadows and shapes" on her right side and nothing on the left.

Orcel is able to track "figures and movements" but cannot make out writings. He said: "So I tell my guys, always read the signs to me - a lot of them are pretty funny, and they can be pretty motivational."