Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run opens the way to blind and visually impaired runners

Event organisers, Wythall Community Association, Events of the North and Worcestershire County Council, have been working with local charity Sensory Matters Worcestershire (formally known as Sight Concern Worcestershire) to ensure to make the run is accessible to those with sight loss and vision impairment.

The event, held in Wythall Park on Sunday 22 June, will include a number of enhancements to make the day more accessible for participants with visual impairments. This includes Including guide runners, tailored support throughout the route, dedicated spaces within the Event Village, and a programme of inclusive sports taster sessions.

Sensory Matters Worcestershire will be hosting an accessible support zone for visually impaired attendees. This area will offer a secure place to leave personal items and talk to and engage with volunteers.

This interactive space features a range of hands-on displays and informational materials, giving visitors the opportunity to speak with the team and explore assistive tools. Such as the various types of canes used by people with sight loss to navigate the world around them. Sim specs, which are specially designed glasses that simulate various visual impairments, helping to raise awareness of the everyday challenges faced by people living with sight loss. Also available to try are liquid level indicators that enable people living with a visual impairment to safely pour drinks.

As part of the day’s activities, attendees will also have the chance to try adapted versions of tennis, designed for people with sight loss but adapted for those without sight, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the sport.

Millie Hayter, Physical Activities Connector at Sensory Matters Worcestershire, said: "We’re thrilled to be involved in making the Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run more inclusive this year. By creating spaces and opportunities for blind and visually impaired participants, we’re not only enabling more people to take part — we’re also raising awareness of the daily challenges many face. It’s a big step towards a more inclusive community event."

Director of Public Health at Worcestershire County Council, Dr Lisa McNally said: “It is extremely important to us that our event puts accessibility first. We want everyone to be able to take part in Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run and we are delighted for the support from Sensory Matters Worcestershire whose knowledge and expertise have enabled us to make this race truly accessible to all. It will be a fantastic day with three races, a 10k, 5k and a family relay, and also our event village which will have food, drinks and entertainment as well as the opportunity to try out a new sport, such as tennis, bowls and archery. Please do come on down, join the race or just enjoy the festival atmosphere!”

If you would like to know more about Sensory Matters Worcestershire, please contact them on 01905 723245 or pop along to visit them at Sensory Matters Worcestershire, The Bradbury Centre, 2 Sansome Walk, Worcester, WR1 1LH.

If you haven’t yet nabbed a space in the race, you can still book by visiting the Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run website.  The ticket office closes at Midnight on Wednesday 18 June.