1. What is Running Eyes for the Blind (REFB)?
An Austin-based program which pairs sighted volunteers with blind and visually-impaired (B/VI) runners and walkers who want to participate in local road races. REFB is a non-profit organization that is sustained solely by the contributions of sponsors and the time and effort of volunteers.

2. Do you only provide this service to runners and walkers?
The program was first organized to assist B/VI runners and walkers. However, REFB aims to expand its services in the future to include a range of recreational activities.

3. Who leads REFB?
The program is led by a team of volunteers from both the sighted and B/VI community.

4. Who are your sponsors/supporters?
REFB has no official sponsor but has received generous support from a number of local businesses and individuals (our sponsors). Organizations or individuals interested in providing sponsorship or in-kind support are asked to contact Simone Montemorra.

5. Are there similar organizations in other cities?
The REFB program is currently only available in Austin. However, REFB hopes to expand the program nationally over time.

6. How can I start REFB in my City?
In 2005, REFB hopes to provide a Support Team to individuals or organizations wishing to offer this program in their City.  If you would like to start up REFB in your community, please contact Greg Arnold at runningeyesaustin@yahoo.com.

7. How many blind/visually impaired runners are there in Austin?
There are no current estimates as REFB is the first program of its kind in Austin; however, REFB's first participation in a road run, the Schlotzsky's Bun Run on April 21, 2002, REFB had 18 B/VI runners/walkers and 30 sighted runners/walkers participate in the race. 

8. Does REFB cover races of all distances?
REFB has been primarily supporting 5K races (3.1 miles). However, with appropriate training a sighted guide and B/VI runner could enter races of any distance.

9. How can I become involved with REFB?
There are a number of ways to support REFB.

• Become a sighted guide and assist in training and road races.
• Help organize and coordinate REFB's participation in races.
• Donate your skills in your field of expertise. REFB would particularly welcome marketing and PR support.
• Donate infrastructure services such as printing and transportation or new running equipment and clothing.
• Donate funds to support REFB's participation, including entry fees and transportation, for races.

10. Do you provide training for sighted guides?
Yes, all sighted guides are trained. As with most activities, skills and confidence will increase with practice, therefore all volunteers are required to attend at least one full training session (approx 1 hour) before acting as a guide in a road race.

11. Where/when do you train?
Currently, training/practices at held at The Texas School for the Blind track located at 45th Street and Lamar Blvd. on Saturday mornings to prepare runners and guides for upcoming road races. Training sessions will be posted on the website.

12. If I can't make the training sessions can I still be a sighted guide?
We require all volunteers to attend at least one training session prior to accompanying a B/VI runner in a road race. We strongly encourage volunteer guides to attend additional training so that they become familiar with sighted guide running and the pace of their partner.

13. How much running experience do I need to become a sighted guide?
There is no minimum requirement. REFB needs volunteer guides at all running/walking levels and abilities. Sighted guides are carefully matched to B/VI participants with similar abilities.

14. How do I apply to become a sighted guide?
Contact Gregory Arnold for application information. Interested individuals may also come, without obligation, to one of the Saturday morning training sessions.

15. How is a guide chosen for a B/VI athlete?
Sighted guides and B/VI participants are paired according to interest (runner or walker), pace and general compatibility. Because of the regular contact at training sessions, guides and participants often choose each other.

16. Do athletes and guides train together before a race?
Yes. This is very important for both the sighted guide and the runner. Regular contact and training improves confidence and enjoyment of the road race.

17. How are Running Eyes guides and runners distinguishable in a race?
All REFB runners wear red REFB logo T-shirts.

18. What is the minimum age for a B/VI athlete or a sighted guide to enroll in this program?
There is no minimum age.  In the Bun Run, REFB's youngest B/VI participant was 13 and the youngest sighted guide was 15.  Runners/walkers of all ages are encouraged to attend (a participant under 18 will need parental consent.)

19. Are there any pre-qualifications to participate?
All volunteer guides are required to attend at least one training session (approx 1 hour) prior to accompanying a B/VI runner in a road race.

20. Are there limits on how many races a B/VI athlete can participate in?
Not at this time.

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