An inspirational blind marathon runner who has struck up a “magic partnership” with her guide, says she has found “freedom” through her disability.
Born without any sight, Ruth Forrest claims as a child she was was never encouraged to take part in disability sport because there wasn’t as much awareness and opportunity as there is today.
Now, as she gears up to take on the London Marathon in 2025 alongside Strathaven guide runner Peter Williams, the 42-year-old tax worker, from Hamilton, told Lanarkshire Live “anything is possible”, insisting disability doesn’t need to hold you back from achieving your dreams.
“My generation didn’t really have disability sport so it was much harder for me to get fit and access sport”, said Ruth.
“When you have no sight at all like me, free movement is really difficult to get. I use a white stick when I’m out on my own so you can’t just go for a walk and see where the morning takes you – you always have to plan and know what route you’re taking.
“You’re restricted, so running with a tether gives you that freedom that you don’t get anywhere else. And it’s the one time when my mind is completely empty. It’s lovely to be able to switch off like that and feel a sense of achievement when you’ve done a long run. There’s just nothing like it, it’s such a rush.”
Ruth started running in 2021 after the world was recovering from the Covid pandemic.
“I was sitting at home with my husband Reza one Sunday morning and we were watching the Great North Run on TV”, she explained.
“I said I’d love to do that one day as it looked so much fun. He laughed and said I couldn’t run the length of myself so, being stubborn, I thought I’ll show you.”
Ruth, who is originally from East Kilbride, discovered the parkrun movement and joined at Strathclyde Park as they have guide runner volunteers.
Meeting seven-time marathon runner Peter on her very first run, the pair hit it off right away and the 71-year-old happily took on the task as Ruth’s guide runner.
Ruth added: “Because I can’t seen anything it would be dangerous for me and anyone else who comes across me if I ran by myself.
“So when I go running, Peter runs alongside me and we use a tether so we’re connected all the time and that way he’s able to keep me safe and let me know about any hazards.
“Disability doesn’t need to hold you back, anything is possible. But you definitely have to have a great relationship with the guide and you have to be able to trust each other and have that magic partnership.
“It’s not easy to have that bond with just anyone and a marathon is something else. Peter and I just have this fantastic bond and he knows exactly what I need to know, and how I’ll respond to his cues and it works really well for us. I’m lucky to have him.”
Ruth went on to complete the Great North Run and latterly the Brighton Marathon. But the London Marathon was always her ultimate goal.
She hopes to raise £2000 for the Royal British Legion Armed Forces Charity – a cause close to her heart.
“I applied for a charity place and was fortunate enough to get one for London 2025”, she said.
“I chose to run for the Royal British Legion as both of my grandads fought in WW2 so it felt like a really lovely way to remember them.
“My mum’s dad in particular was really really close to me and I miss him a lot so it’s a nice tribute ahead of Remembrance Day.
“I wasn’t aware of the extent to which the charity work with ex-forces personnel in retraining them, supporting veterans with mental health issues, homelessness, and it really inspired me to give something back and really consider the issues this section of society have re-integrating after serving.”
With six months to go, the formidable pair have started training, initially with 5k parkruns, then onto 10k before building up strength and stamina for the formal 16-week marathon training programme after Christmas.
Ruth went on: “We’re starting nice and early so that we’re ahead of the game and we’re comfortable. My last marathon was tough and I was a bit slow so I’d like to get my time down and do a bit better in London.
“Peter has also had a lot of injury this year and, given his age and stage, this is probably going to be his last marathon so I’m really honoured that he wanted to share it with me. And, being London, I really want to do him proud and run well. He’s absolutely amazing, he slows down to run with me – that’s how fit he is.”
Commenting on the Ruth’s unrelenting drive and determination in the face of her disability, Peter said: “Ruth has a determination to succeed at whatever she does. And, despite wind, rain and storms, she is always there for our training sessions. She is not phased by anything.
“She has such a caring nature and never uses her lack of sight as a barrier. When I took her to our local church, everyone just took her to their hearts. If you were talking to her about anything you would not know she could not see.
“A true inspiration.”
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