A fully blind Christchurch runner is taking on one of the toughest challenges in distance running — completing two of the world’s most prestigious marathons within a week.
Paul Barclay is set to run the Boston Marathon later this month, followed by the London Marathon just six days later, in a bid to become the first blind New Zealander to complete the World Major Marathon series.
The 60-year-old lost his eyesight after a car accident nearly four decades ago.
“I played a lot of sport while I was sighted, so I wondered what I was going to do,” Barclay told 1News.
He went on to represent New Zealand in blind cricket and goalball before taking up running in his early 50s, a sport he said offered a new level of independence.
“[Running] didn’t need as many people as the other sports did. All I need is one person to run with as a guide, and away we go.”
Since beginning competitive running in 2018, Barclay has completed 13 marathons and more than 20 half-marathons, including the Berlin and New York events in 2025.
His time in New York secured him a qualifying spot for Boston, while a late opportunity to run London came through disability running organisation Achilles New Zealand after initially missing the ballot.
Tackling two major marathons back-to-back presented a unique challenge, something Barclay described as “unknown territory”.
“I’ve trained for the two races the same as I would for one, but in the back of my mind is to not go as hard knowing I’ve got another race six days later,” Barclay said.
“It’s a big challenge to run both races on two sides of the Atlantic, but they’re both opportunities that probably wouldn’t come around again otherwise."
Barclay's ultimate goal is to become the first blind Kiwi to complete all seven high-profile marathons recognised in the World Major Marathon series.
With Berlin and New York already ticked off, Barclay will have just three of the seven majors remaining after Boston and London, those being Tokyo, Sydney and Paris.
“It’s unknown territory, but I think I've got the training and the support for it," he said.
'Moved to tears'
Barclay’s journey is supported by a team of volunteer guide runners, including Christchurch mum-of-two Rosie Hay, who will guide him through the London Marathon.
Hay met Barclay through Achillies NZ three years ago, and the pair have been running local races and marathons together ever since.
"He's an awesome runner and he's got a pretty decent pace on him. Not all guides can keep up with him," Hay said.
Volunteer guiding involves “a lot of communication” with the athlete, Hay said, from warning them about moving obstacles like dogs or children to keeping them aware of the terrain conditions.
“You’re constantly describing the surface, whether there are inclines or declines, and letting them know when you’re approaching turns.
“You also use a tether, which you both hold onto. It’s a lot of communication.”
She said becoming a volunteer guide had provided several "unexpected" benefits, including her close bond and friendship with Barclay.
“When you spend hours and hours together, you end up forming a really special bond. We've become very good friends," she said.
To support the challenge, Hay organised a GiveALittle page to help cover the costs of travel, training, and guide support required to compete on the world stage.
She said what stood out most about Barclay was his mindset.
"What he has overcome in life is quite big, but he doesn't just do life. He thrives," she said.
"I see people at races who are moved to tears when they see what he’s doing, and when they hear his story. He’s an incredible human."
Barclay said he hoped his journey would inspire others to achieve what they thought wasn't possible.
"With the right motivation, the right support, and the right attitude, people can do whatever they want," he said.
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