Blind Artist to Run Brighton Marathon Using AI Glasses in World First
Clarke Reynolds, a blind artist known professionally as Braille creative Mr Dot, is preparing to achieve what is believed to be a world first by running the Brighton Marathon with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology and remote volunteers. The 45-year-old from Portsmouth will utilise Meta AI glasses connected to the Be My Eyes app, which typically helps visually impaired people with daily tasks, to navigate the 26.2-mile course.
Pushing Technological Boundaries for the Blind Community
Mr Reynolds, who has the inherited condition Retinitis Pigmentosa and describes his vision as similar to looking underwater with shadows and shapes, told the Press Association that he wanted to push the boundaries of what this technology could achieve. "When I got these glasses and the app, I was thinking: what could I do to push the boundaries of what this technology could do for the blind community?" he said. "And I thought, you know what, let’s run a marathon again with complete strangers in my ear holes."
As an ambassador for the Fight for Sight charity, which funds research into vision loss, Mr Reynolds hopes his challenge will help tackle the stigma surrounding sight loss and change perceptions of blind people. He emphasises that he is not a superhero but simply someone using technology as a workaround to live life to the fullest. "Technology is a game changer for the sight loss community. There’s loads of cures to come along but we can’t wait for those cures. We’ve got to live the best life we can," he explained.
How the AI Technology Works During Training
By connecting the Be My Eyes app to his Rayban Meta AI glasses, Mr Reynolds can use voice commands to activate the system and get linked to a volunteer anywhere in the world. The volunteer can then see his view through the glasses and provide real-time guidance. During his training, he has had over 100 helpers, including a woman from Virginia, USA, a Scottish woman on holiday in Thailand, and a retired naval officer in Canada.
"I have actual volunteers who look through the glasses … as if they’ve got my bird’s eye view," he said. They support him by pointing out obstacles like bins or parked cars while engaging in "amazing conversations." Mr Reynolds finds this method much easier than his previous experience running the London Marathon with a physical guide, which he said relied too much on another person being present and caused issues like differing stride patterns.
Now, running laps of 0.8 miles around his home with remote help, he enjoys the freedom of his own pace and the global conversations. "You get lost in conversation, just we talk about anything from the sport to the weather, especially if they’re from a foreign place," he shared.
Marathon Day Plans and Fundraising Efforts
For the marathon itself, Fight for Sight is organising volunteers, including family, friends, and potentially some "unexpected celebrities" to guide Mr Reynolds to the finish line, where he aims to complete the race within six hours. Although TV presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell was unable to participate, she has donated £250 to his fundraiser. His initial target of £750 has now increased to £2,000 after significant donations, including support from Be My Eyes.
Eleanor Southwood, director of impact and external affairs for Fight for Sight, praised the effort, stating: "Watching one of our ambassadors take on such an extraordinary challenge is phenomenal. As well as raising vital funds for our work, Clarke is raising awareness in a unique way by involving Be My Eyes volunteers along his route. We can’t wait to cheer him on!"
Broader Advocacy Through Art and Awareness
Beyond running, Mr Reynolds works to raise awareness through his art in a "fun and playful way." He has held solo shows from America to India and has an upcoming art installation next year featuring a shop with everything in Braille, from branding to money and signage. "It’s going to be my Tracey Emin moment," he said, explaining that visitors will wear glasses simulating different sight loss conditions to experience the daily challenges he faces, such as shopping without Braille on products.
He also highlighted the need for greater inclusion, noting that his art is still often seen as a hobby due to his blindness. "I want to inspire the next generation of visually impaired children growing up that they’ve got a world that they can thrive in, it doesn’t matter if they can’t see it, they’re part of the fabric of society," he asserted, emphasising that the blind community has much to offer when given the opportunity.
