Introducing Keryl Rustin, a remarkable 74-year-old woman from Kearneysville, West Virginia. Despite her blindness, she fearlessly participated in her second National Senior Games 5K run. This year, she took on the challenge with a local running guide in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rustin achieved an impressive 15th place in her age group, completing the race in just 45 minutes.
Keryl Rustin’s journey began last year when she decided to participate in the National Senior Games after years of running races and training with her seven-year-old granddaughter, Gabbi. Gabbi played a crucial role in Rustin’s preparation, providing cues and guidance during their training sessions. Through these cues, Rustin learned how to run blind, recognizing changes in the pavement or curves in the road ahead of time.
Since starting her training in 2020, Rustin has conquered approximately 15 races, including her debut National Senior Games 5K in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2022. In this particular race, Rustin planned on using a direction app to assist her, but unfortunately, it malfunctioned. Undeterred, she relied solely on her own instincts, listening to the sounds of footsteps and the voices of fellow runners directing her during the race.
This year, Rustin was better prepared with the support of a guide named Kenneth Lee, a local Pittsburgh runner. Although they had only met the day before the race, Lee proved to be an invaluable companion. With his knowledge of the route and Rustin’s determination, they completed the race as a team. Rustin crossed the finish line before Lee and expressed her gratitude for his unwavering support.
When asked about her future plans, Rustin confidently declared that she will continue her running career. She sees this as just the beginning, refusing to let blindness hinder her passion for running. Her dedication and perseverance serve as an inspiration to individuals of all ages.
The National Senior Games organization promotes a healthy lifestyle at any age and hosts a variety of sports events annually. In 2022, over 12,000 athletes participated in 21 different sports during the two-week-long games.
In conclusion, Keryl Rustin’s remarkable journey as a blind runner defying obstacles showcases the strength of the human spirit. Her perseverance, along with the support of her guide Kenneth Lee, enabled her to achieve an impressive result in the National Senior Games 5K. Rustin’s story serves as a testament to the power of determination and inspires individuals of all ages to pursue their passions.
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