Smart Glasses Help Blind Runners Chase the London Marathon

Blind runners are using new AI‑powered glasses to chase a dream that once seemed impossible. Tilly Dowler, who has only about 10 % of her sight left, began running last year after a couch‑to‑5K program. Now she trains for the London Marathon with her boyfriend as a guide and Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses that give live audio cues. “While running I can ask for live cues, such as what landmarks are around me and how far I have run, ” she says. The glasses let her listen to music while still hearing the guide’s voice, and she hopes to inspire others with sight loss. More runners are turning to similar smart glasses that combine a camera, microphone and speakers with AI. Meta’s Ray‑Bans sold over 7 million pairs last year, but the technology raises privacy concerns. Sha Khan lost most of his vision in 2021 and now relies on the glasses for everyday tasks.He says the hands‑free design lets him focus on his guide dog, Moby, without juggling a phone. Khan began running after a Guide Dogs UK volunteer encouraged him, and he now uses voice commands to ask the glasses for pictures. Tech experts note that AI turns visual input into real‑time audio, helping users stay aware of their surroundings. However, large crowds in marathons can strain mobile networks and reduce reliability. Guide Dogs UK stresses that glasses should supplement, not replace, guide dogs and other support systems. Ben Hatton from CCS Insight says reliability, accuracy, connectivity and cost will determine how widely the tech spreads. Despite challenges, advances in AI are making consumer devices more accessible for people with sight problems. The London Marathon will draw over 59, 000 runners this Sunday, covering a 26. 2‑mile route that starts in Greenwich and ends near Buckingham Palace.