This Blind Runner Will Be the First to Race the NYC Half Marathon Guided Only By Dogs

Thomas Panek, 48, has been a runner for quite some time — he's run 20 races throughout his life. Ever since he lost his sight in his early 20's, he was hesitant to continue running, but eventually trained to run in races with the help of human guides tethered to him. However, he wondered if it was possible to run a race without human guidance, instead led only with guide dogs.

Thomas Panek, 48, has been a runner for quite some time — he's run 20 races throughout his life. Ever since he lost his sight in his early 20's, he was hesitant to continue running, but eventually trained to run in races with the help of human guides tethered to him. However, he wondered if it was possible to run a race without human guidance, instead led only with guide dogs.