An 82-year-old blind runner on why you should never give up

In this episode of the Runners World Podcast, Rick Pearson interviews Mick Duplock, an inspiring 82-year-old blind runner. Mick has pursued his passion for running despite his diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary condition that caused him to lose his eyesight. The conversation begins with Mick reminiscing about his participation in park runs, particularly the competitive environment of over-80s events, which he discovered recently after turning 80.

Mick shares his beginnings in running, having transitioned from playing football and badminton to marathon running in his early 40s after moving to South Africa. He recounts his experiences with his first Johannesburg Marathon and the challenges he faced amidst the rugged terrain. Mick’s journey includes highlights of running in the renowned Comrades Marathon, describing its rigorous training and the unique camaraderie it fosters within the running community.

As he discusses his vision loss, Mick explains how he adapted to running with a guide, utilizing a simple piece of cloth to maintain connection with his runner. He emphasizes the importance of trust and communication with his guides, as they navigate routes together. Despite the challenges posed by his condition, he remains passionate about running and continues to train vigorously, participating in various events and park runs.

Toward the end of the episode, Mick reflects on the joy and support he receives from the running community, expressing gratitude for their encouragement and friendly competition. He shares memorable stories, including the time he was chased by an elephant during a run in Botswana. His journey exemplifies resilience and showcases that age or disability should not hinder the pursuit of one’s passions. Mick encourages others facing similar challenges to reach out to local running clubs and find a community that uplifts and supports them, underscoring that with determination, it is possible to keep running and find joy in it at any stage of life.