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
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…
Gavin Newsom reveals California Hall of Fame inductees after early Arnold Schwarzenegger snub

Gavin Newsom Announces California Hall of Fame Inductees Following Initial Exclusion of Arnold Schwarzenegger

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the latest group of distinguished individuals to be…
Noem to face House committee after grilling from senators on immigration crackdown

Noem to Address House Committee Following Intense Senate Inquiry on Immigration Crackdown

  The Department of Homeland Security remains largely non-operational as a political…
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…
Rosalinda Vaca released from jail in Waukegan, IL hit-and-run that killed pregnant woman Michelle Heidbrick, Lake Co. SA says

Rosalinda Vaca Released from Jail in Waukegan Hit-and-Run Case Involving Pregnant Victim Michelle Heidbrick: Lake County Prosecutor Updates

The family of a hit-and-run victim in Waukegan, Illinois, is calling for…
Schweizer warns 'Pod Force One' about Mexico, China migration

Peter Schweizer Alerts ‘Pod Force One’ on Surging Mexico-China Migration Impact

In a recent discussion on the podcast “Pod Force One,” author Peter…
Actress Nazanin Boniadi calls out lack of progressive activists before US Iran Operation Epic Fury

Actress Nazanin Boniadi Criticizes Silence of Progressive Activists Ahead of US’s Operation Epic Fury in Iran

Nazanin Boniadi, a British-Iranian actress, recently criticized progressive activists for their apparent…
WATCH: National Geographic's un-bee-lievable trailer for new series 'Secrets of the Bees' from executive producer James Cameron

Buzz-Worthy Reveal: National Geographic Unveils ‘Secrets of the Bees’ Trailer, Executive Produced by James Cameron

National Geographic has unveiled an exciting new trailer for the latest chapter…
Andy Dick has ‘5 to 7 holes’ in his brain after L.A. overdose

Andy Dick Suffers Significant Brain Damage Following Los Angeles Overdose

Comedian Andy Dick has candidly shared details about a harrowing experience last…
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…
Timeline tracks diplomat’s path from college overachiever to alleged highway ‘road rage’ mass stabber

From College Star to Road Rage Suspect: The Surprising Journey of a Diplomat

The tragic story of a diplomat entangled in a fatal highway confrontation…
Antitrust trial begins that could lead to breakup of Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation

Major Antitrust Trial Commences: Potential Breakup of Ticketmaster Parent Live Nation Looms

NEW YORK — A pivotal antitrust trial commenced on Tuesday, challenging the…