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
Minneapolis man Abdulkarim Farah who tried to bribe juror in $250M welfare fraud scandal sentenced

Minneapolis Man Sentenced in $250M Welfare Fraud: The Shocking Attempt to Bribe a Juror

A man from Minneapolis has been sentenced to nearly five years in…
NJ mayor Gina LaPlaca pleads guilty to DUI child endangerment after St Patricks Day drunk driving arrest

NJ Mayor Gina LaPlaca Admits to DUI and Child Endangerment Charges Post-St. Patrick’s Day Arrest

A former mayor from New Jersey, who was caught driving under the…
Man dies after sneaking into closed section of popular national park

Tragic Incident: Man Fatally Trespasses into Restricted Area of Beloved National Park

A 33-year-old man from Hawaii has died after venturing into a restricted…
Held at gunpoint at 9, Iranian refugee turned pastor now prays for Iran’s hour of freedom

Iranian Refugee, Once Threatened at Gunpoint, Now Leads Prayers for Freedom in Iran

An Iranian refugee, who vividly recalls being held at gunpoint during his…
FIRST LOOK: Gaten Matarazzo's first project since 'Stranger Things' to premiere on Hulu

Stranger Things Star Gaten Matarazzo Unveils Exciting New Project Premiering on Hulu

LOS ANGELES — Gaten Matarazzo is stepping into a new role in…
New American revolution brewing in Boston after RFK Jr. sets health safety sights on Dunkin'

RFK Jr. Sparks Modern Revolution in Boston: Targets Dunkin’ for Health Safety Overhaul

Donut Mess with Dunkin’! Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has challenged…
Millions lose power across Cuba as Trump sanctions continue to fuel ongoing energy crisis

Cuba Faces Widespread Power Outages Amid Prolonged Energy Crisis Linked to Trump-Era Sanctions

A massive power outage swept through western Cuba on Wednesday, plunging millions…
Zohran Mamdani ditches campaign pledge on NYC intersections in latest flip-flop

Zohran Mamdani’s Surprising U-Turn: NYC Intersections Campaign Promise Reversed

In a surprising turn of events, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has backed away…
Midlothian burglary: 4th break-in at Anna's Gaming Cafe at 147th Street, Kilbourn Avenue damages business; 3 arrested, police say

Fourth Break-In Hits Anna’s Gaming Cafe on 147th Street; Trio Arrested in Midlothian Burglary Spree

MIDLOTHIAN, Ill. — A gaming cafe in the southern suburbs has been…
Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad torches phony Kamala Harris over former Vice President's criticism of Trump

Iranian-American Activist Masih Alinejad Criticizes Vice President Harris for Remarks on Trump

Kamala, who? An outspoken Iranian-American activist, who has narrowly escaped multiple assassination…
EXCLUSIVE: Criminal Illegal Aliens Behind Dozens of Deadly DWI Crashes in Houston Area, Says ICE

Shocking Report: Undocumented Drivers Linked to Fatal DWI Crashes in Houston, ICE Reveals

In Houston, Texas, the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) of ICE has…
Man killed in Texas after Border Patrol checkpoint flight and shootout

Tragic Texas Showdown: Fatal End to High-Speed Chase and Shootout at Border Patrol Checkpoint

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: A man met his end on Wednesday after evading…