Chicago Marathon 2025: Visually-impaired runner Tim Paul prepares for Bank of America Chicago Marathon race day October 12
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CHICAGO (WLS) — On Sunday, tens of thousands of runners will take to the streets for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Running more than 26 miles is not an easy take. Running it while you’re blind is a whole new challenge.

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On Friday, 67-year-old Tim Paul needed assistance to walk along State Street in the Loop, but he plans to run there on Sunday as part of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

Paul became blind in his 20s, adding difficulty to his marathon ambitions, but not deterring him. Sunday marks his 24th marathon effort.

“I also don’t want people to see me as only blind. I want them to see me as a marathon runner,” Paul said.

His training involves running while connected to a guide, who assists him in navigating the course. Paul is adamant that his blindness won’t prevent him from living fully.

RELATED | Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2025: Full list of street closures in Grant Park area

Besides marathons, Paul has tackled triathlons, downhill skiing, and is also a musician. He can now include movie star to his list, thanks to a feature film by producer Kamelya Alexan about his life, titled “I’m Only Blind.”

“Tim is just such an inspiring story,” Alexan said. “His story stands out from anyone I’ve ever met in Chicago.”

The film will soon be screened in Oak Park. It showcases Paul at his full-time job at The Chicago Lighthouse, an organization offering various services to those with disabilities, including blindness.

“I think Tim has encouraged people,” said Aaron Baar with The Chicago Lighthouse. “The story has encouraged people to think about doing more.”

Paul remarks that starring in a movie was beyond his expectations. His goal is to make the most of life and inspire others not to be held back by their own challenges.

“Not to say no to challenges, but to say yes,” Paul said.

Paul is also running in the Rise to Shine 10K/5K/1M with The Chicago Lighthouse on Sunday, Oct. 19. It’s a race that’s open and accessible to all levels and abilities.

It might be challenging to find Paul among the sea of 50,000 runners in the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, but people will have the opportunity to see him on the big screen at the movie theater.

There will be a special screening of “I’m Only Blind” at Classic Cinemas in Oak Park at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27.

For more information on the film and to purchase tickets, visit the Classic Cinemas’ website.

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