Legally blind runner getting set to run Boston Marathon

Running the Boston Marathon is a dream for runners all over the world. Next month, Tracy Garbutt will be among the tens of thousands to actually do it.

The 43-year-old Winnipegger is also running the world's most prestigious race with his close friend — and guide — by his side, because Garbutt is legally blind.

"It is like the holy grail of marathons and … it's something that once you start putting that goal in mind, it's like wow, you just want to get there now so bad," he said.

Garbutt has a hereditary eye condition that gets worse as he gets older — like tunnel vision that becomes increasingly narrow.

For the past decade, he has run with his friend Mike Malyk. The two are connected by an exercise band, and Malyk warns Garbutt about hazards on the road while they run side-by-side.

The worst part about training in Winnipeg? Without a doubt, the potholes. Malyk admits their runs do at times hit bumps in the road — literally. 

"There's a bridge that has part of Tracy's skin on it," Malyk joked, adding, "I have to watch where his feet are going to be but I also have to watch where his head's going to be so it's scanning constantly. So I'm watching for potholes … branches, cars … if it's icy, I've got to warn him about the ice."

The two run together outside once a week. Garbutt also trains at the gym five times a week.

There are 70 spots for visually impaired runners at Boston this year. Garbutt says 21 are entered. He is one of only five from across Canada currently registered.

Each visually impaired runner needs to qualify with a marathon time of five hours, but Garbutt and Malyk hope to finish this year's race in four hours and 20 minutes.

Of course, running at Boston is about more than just a finishing time, and Garbutt admits he is nervous to be in the start corral, getting jostled by thousands of other runners when the race begins.

"I'm probably going to be very nauseous," he said. "I want to feel good at the end … so it's really just getting across the finish line feeling good enjoying the course and the atmosphere and just the craziness of Boston."

Garbutt has run two previous marathons, but says he expects this to be his first and only attempt at Boston. He hopes his run inspires others to achieve their own goals. 

"If you have a dream, go for it," said Garbutt, "I hope people just go out and try what their dreams or aspirations are."