Running Blind: An Alternative View of the London Marathon

When blind runner Simon Webb was training for his first marathon in London 2011, aware that he wouldn't be able to pass the time during the race by admiring the sights of the city, he researched a few facts about some of the points of interest around the 26.2 mile course. Using the route which has changed little since its first running in 1981 and which has been completed by over 800,000 people, this book focuses on London's history, culture and sport, famous and not so famous landmarks, people and pubs - lots of pubs. From climbing the Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster, which houses Big Ben, to going underground into what the Victorians branded the 8th Wonder of the World, better known as the former entry hall to the Brunel Tunnel in Rotherhithe, this book is as much an alternative tour guide to London as a sport book. During every mile there are stories to tell and reflect on: the location for England's first home rugby international on Blackheath, the restoration of the Cutty Sark after a devastating fire, the Deptford pub which hosted early gigs for Squeeze and Dire Straits and how the Chinese in Limehouse gained literary notoriety. When it does focus on running, we learn how it feels to run when you can't see, what the guide runner experience is like and are left in no doubt that 'hitting the wall' is no fun at all. "What Simon has achieved is incredible. His story is truly compelling." Michael Dobbs, author of House of Cards

A former sprinter, Simon represented England in the Elite Athletes with Disabilities 100 metres at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. As well as running the London Marathon, Simon has completed the Berlin, Loch Ness and Chester Marathons and has a personal best time of 3:29:36. Simon was born and raised in South West London. As a former Deputy Editor of the online music magazine www.roomthirteen.com, he covered festivals including Reading, Isle of Wight and the Edinburgh Fringe. His review of the Foo Fighters in Hyde Park was published in the Review Section of the Independent. He has also contributed articles to Disability Now Magazine, Gapyear.com and the New York-based alternative arts publication Knight. ’Running Blind: An Alternative View of the London Marathon’ is Simon’s debut book.