Chicago Marathon 2025: Visually-impaired runner Tim Paul prepares for Bank of America Chicago Marathon race day October 12
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

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.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Cops release photo of hulking suspect in fatal stabbing of Harlem man, 51

Police Unveil Image of Suspect in Harlem Man’s Fatal Stabbing: Public Assistance Sought

Authorities have released a mugshot of a suspect linked to a fatal…
Louvre jewels heist: Two new suspects handed preliminary charges, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau says

Paris Prosecutor Charges Two Suspects in High-Profile Louvre Jewel Heist Case

In a development surrounding the audacious theft of crown jewels at the…
Get a 20% first deposit match up to $1,500 for Bears vs. Bengals

Unlock a 20% First Deposit Bonus up to $1,500 for the Exciting Bears vs. Bengals Showdown!

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Los Angeles Dodgers win World Series, beat Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in 11-inning Game 7

Los Angeles Dodgers Clinch World Series Title with Thrilling 11-Inning Victory Over Toronto Blue Jays in Game 7

TORONTO — In a thrilling showdown, Will Smith delivered a home run…
Former Kentucky Gov. Martha Layne Collins has died at 88

Remembering Martha Layne Collins: Trailblazing Former Kentucky Governor Passes Away at 88

Martha Layne Collins, a trailblazer in Kentucky’s political landscape as the first…
Illinois SNAP benefits November: The Wooden Paddle Lemont and La Grange locations offering free pizza to those who lost benefits

Illinois SNAP Changes: Free Pizza Offered at Wooden Paddle for Those Affected in Lemont and La Grange

In the heart of Lemont, Illinois, The Wooden Paddle, a well-loved eatery…
Why was Lil Wayne missing from Cash Money vs. No Limit Records Verzuz battle

Unveiling the Mystery: Lil Wayne’s Absence from the Epic Cash Money vs. No Limit Verzuz Showdown

The recent Verzuz rap battle, a showdown between Cash Money Records and…
Trump designates Nigeria as 'country of particular concern' over widespread Christian persecution, killings

Trump Labels Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Amid Escalating Christian Persecution

On Friday, President Trump took a significant step by labeling Nigeria a…
UFO tracker maps eerie clusters of unidentified objects lurking beneath US shorelines: 'We're being lied to'

New Map Reveals Mysterious Clusters of Unexplained Objects Near US Coasts

Access exclusive content on Fox News by signing up for an account,…
Bass: 'Buck Stops with Me' on Not Pre-Deploying to Palisades, But Crowley Got Fired Because 'Deficient' Leaders Must Go

Leadership Accountability: Bass Takes Responsibility for Palisades Decision While Removing ‘Deficient’ Crowley

During Friday’s episode of CNN’s “The Story Is,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen…
Family of father-to-be whose girlfriend allegedly crashed car on purpose speaks out through lawyer

Family of Expectant Father Allegedly Targeted in Intentional Car Crash Shares Statement via Legal Counsel

The family of a man who was soon to be a father…
Suspect shot by Jacksonville officer after stolen car chase, crash, JSO says

High-Speed Drama Unfolds in Jacksonville: Suspect Shot After Stolen Car Pursuit and Collision

A stolen vehicle report led to a high-stakes chase and eventual shooting…