Blind Man Finishes New York City Half Marathon With Help From Guide Dogs
March 19, 2019
Thomas Panek has has always been an avid runner, however, he made history on Sunday at the New York City Half Marathon.
While visually impaired competitors usually use human guides, Panek became the first person to complete the race supported by guide dogs.
His trio of Labrador Retrievers, who took turns pacing him along the 13.1 mile course, were the first canine athletes to compete in the race.
The team finished just shy of two hours and 21 minutes.
Panek, who lost his eyesight in his early 20s, said that while he appreciated the support of human volunteers, he missed the feeling of independence.
"It never made sense to me to walk out the door and leave my guide dog behind when I love to run and they love to run," Panek told CNN. "It was just a matter of bucking conventional wisdom and saying why not."
Panek says he hopes his accomplishment will inspire others with visual disabilities to keep pushing the bounds of what they think are possible.
"Running with your dog is wonderful and if they can do a job while they're doing it and sure, it happens to be 13.1 miles through the streets of New York city but we're going to get it done. I know we will."
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
These Cat Reactions To Owners Calling Them Through Security Cameras Are Absolutely Hilarious
Kentucky Nurse Saves Drunk Raccoon With CPR After Dumpster Mishap
Firefighters And Public Works Team Crawl Quarter Mile To Rescue Blind And Deaf Dog
Shoulder Labrum Tear Symptoms And The Causes Behind Them
The Mechanical Nurse At Guyās Hospital Is Equal Parts Creepy And Brilliant
'Everyone Gets A Kick Out Of It': Baby Born At McDonaldās Parking Lot Has Perfect Nickname
Epic āBohemian Rhapsodyā Flashmob Takes Over the Streets of Paris
Texas Cheerleaders Perform Emotional 9/11 Tribute That Brings Crowd To Tears
FDNY Honors Bride Whose Father Died On 9/11 With Touching Wedding Surprise
Honey Badger Picks Fight With Elephant, Gets Hilariously Booted Away
Tiny Soccer Rivals Choose Hugs Over Competition