Running 26.2 Miles Blindfolded For A Cause

With over 20,000 people participating in Fargo Marathon events this weekend, one runner may stand out from the rest.

 

 

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With over 20,000 people participating in Fargo Marathon events this weekend, one runner may stand out from the rest.

E.J. Scott, a marathon runner from Los Angeles, will complete the marathon blindfolded. Scott will be wearing the blindfold to protect his eyes.

Scott was diagnosed with choroideremia, a rare disorder that causes degeneration of the choroid and retina in the eye and leads to a progressive loss of vision, nine years ago.

"My eyes are so sensitive that if I’m out there for too long without enough protection, I get headaches and stinging in my eyes," said Scott. "It’s really uncomfortable."

Scott is working with the Choroideremia Research Foundation to raise money and awareness toward a cure for the disease.

"When I was diagnosed, I was in denial," said Scott. "Once I realized that wasn’t the case, I started fundraising."

Scott began his journey through weight loss, asking for sponsorship money for every pound he lost. After losing 70 pounds, Scott decided to stay in shape by training for the Chicago Marathon. Following the marathon, Scott thought he could increase publicity for choroideremia by running 12 marathons in 12 states in 12 months. Fargo will be his fifth marathon.

"Fargo sounded interesting to me," said Scott. "I’ve never been there, and it’s advertised as a flat course, and it’s up north so it wouldn’t be too hot."

Scott uses a guide, either a cousin or close friend, to help him throughout the race.

"I do have a handful of guides helping me this year that are in really great marathon shape," said Scott. "I’m lucky that they’re willing to donate their time, and really their bodies, to what I’m doing."

In addition to running the marathon, Scott, an improvisational comedian, is bringing his background in comedy with him to Fargo.

Scott will be featured in an improv show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday night at the Fargo Billiards & Gastropub.

"Improv has taken a bit of a backseat to the marathons, but I’ve been heavily into improv for about 15 years and me doing these shows in the different cities is a good excuse for me to get some stage time and raise money at the same time," said Scott.

Throughout all his efforts, Scott has raised nearly $45,000. His goal is to raise $144,000 by the end of the year.

For more information on Scott’s journey, visit his website: www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com.

 

Tracy Jentz

   

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