REPORTER:

Every Monday and Thursday night for the past few months, Li Wen-hung has been training for the Taipei Marathon. A major test for any runner in Taiwan.

 

And it’s an even bigger test for Li, who is severely visually impaired. He has RP retinopathy, which has caused his vision to get worse over the years.

 

Li Wen-hung (VISUALLY IMPAIRED RUNNER):  

I can kind of sense light  

and where people are based on listening  

I can’t see people directly.

 

REPORTER:

Given his limited vision, it would be dangerous for Li to run in a crowded race like the Taipei Marathon.

 

But he’s not running alone.

 

Li will be accompanied by two guide runners, Wayne Cheng and Hsieh Tzu-yin, who will take turns keeping him safe on the busy roads.

 

Holding on gently to this tether, they run in sync, matching cadence and pace around the track.

 

Wayne Cheng (GUIDE RUNNER):  

When we run, our height  

and stride rates are quite similar  

which makes it easier for us to run together.  

I don’t have to adjust to his pace  

and he doesn’t have to adjust to mine  

so he’s quite comfortable running with me.

 

REPORTER:

But for Hsieh, keeping pace is just one challenge on top of keeping an eye on the road for Li.

 

Hsieh had to push her limits to learn how to match Li’s stride and pace.

 

Hsieh Tzu-yin (GUIDE RUNNER):  

We’ve known each other for a long time  

but because of our height difference  

I’ve never run with him before.  

I really don’t run very fast  

and the Taipei Marathon is a test of your speed.  

[I told him,] if you don’t mind me slowing you down  

I can run with you  

but if you want to break your personal best  

you should find a guy to run with.  

After Wen-hung had some time to think about it  

he agreed to give me a chance  

and so I’m very happy.

 

REPORTER:

With their last practice over, it’s time for race day.

 

REPORTER:

Just before dawn, tens of thousands of runners warm up outside Taipei City Hall. There are dozens of groups of visually impaired runners and their guides entering the race, wearing bright orange and yellow shirts to remind other runners to keep a safe distance.

 

Li is starting the race with Hsieh, trying to start at the front of their group to keep a better pace.

 

REPORTER:

3...2...1!!!!!!!!!!

 

REPORTER:

The route takes runners past some of Taipei’s most iconic locations, including Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the Presidential Office.

 

At the 10-kilometer mark of the full marathon course, volunteers have set up an aid station, bringing water, food and encouragement to runners.

 

Wu Yueh-hua (CHINESE TAIPEI VISUALLY IMPAIRED ROAD RUNNING ASSOC.):  

We participate in races all over  

accompanying visually impaired runners.  

Whenever we reach an aid station  

we're always received very warmly.  

As others help us  

we hope that we can help others in return.

 

REPORTER:

At the 20-kilometer mark, around halfway, Cheng warms up as he waits for Li and Hsieh to arrive. He’s ready to run with Li for the second half of the race, preparing more supplements and hydration for him.

 

REPORTER:

Just on time, a little over two hours since they started, the pair arrive. A quick water break and Li is off again, this time with Cheng by his side.

 

The second half of a marathon is the notorious breaking point for most amateur runners. It’s hard to keep the pace after having run so far already.

 

And while Cheng’s legs are fresh, Li is the only one in this team running the full marathon today.

 

REPORTER:

At the finish line, an emcee congratulates all the visually impaired runners and their guides.

 

The runners must cross the finish line first, with the guides close behind them.

 

Spectators eagerly await their friends at the finish line, including Hsieh.

 

Hsieh Tzu-yin (GUIDE RUNNER):  

[As I was waiting] I wanted to say  

hurry up and come back! Let’s go!

 

REPORTER:

At the halfway point, they seemed on track to meet Li’s goal of 4 hours, 30 minutes. But the second half of the race is the harder half, and they come in just after the five-hour mark – which still beat his previous record for the marathon.

 

Li Wen-hung (VISUALLY IMPAIRED RUNNER):  

I’m most satisfied today with how my legs held up.  

I didn’t feel like I was dying on my way to the finish line.  

During the Wan Jin Shi Marathon [earlier this year]  

I couldn’t move my legs  

but this time I can walk a bit.

 

Wayne Cheng (GUIDE RUNNER):  

We still have a chance to beat our personal best.  

From now on, we’ll keep cheering each other on.  

And we have a promise  

that one day I’ll guide him from start to finish.  

But this is also a challenge  

since I don’t even know if I can finish the race alone  

let alone while guiding him.

 

REPORTER:

And it’s that sense of improvement and challenge that keeps Li and his guides going, the chance to test themselves at the next race, becoming better runners, guides, and friends every step along the way.