Blind Adventurer Runs 1,400 Miles Across Japan and Sets Sights on South Korea
Visually impaired Gary Leung conquered Japan's 1,400-mile run in 40 days, defying all odds Determination and resilience led him to embrace long-distance running after losing his vision 25 years ago Next on his inspiring journey: tackling South Korea
Gary Leung experienced a profound loss of vision nearly 25 years ago, which led to a period of deep despair and thoughts of suicide. However, he discovered solace in long-distance running, which became a powerful source of healing and determination for him.
Now in his fifties, Leung has accomplished the 100-kilometer (62-mile) Antarctic Ice Marathon, making history as the first blind person to do so. He has also taken on the challenging 400km Ultra Gobi, considered one of the toughest foot-races in the world, and recently completed a 2,300km charity run from Japans southern city of Kagoshima on Kyushu Island up to northern Aomori on the countrys main island, Honshu.
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Leung and his changing guide runners, connected by a string attachment, covered the Japanese "Dark Run 2023" in 40 days, averaging more than 50km per day.
Leung was born with a rare retinal disease. Today, he can only differentiate between light and darkness.
The Roly-Poly Inclusion Movement Association
Leung informed CNN Travel that the group faced challenges navigating the narrow district roads, leading them to adjust their plans and find off-road areas to complete their pre-planned distance before being taken to the next stop. The run was organized to raise funds for young people with serious illnesses through the Roly Poly Inclusion Movement Association, a local non-profit organization. The event raised over HKD300,000 (US$38,000) for Make-A-Wish Hong Kong.
Leung, who was born with a rare retinal disease that has deteriorated to the point that he can only differentiate between light and darkness, humbly states, "Many people may say, 'Wow, you ran the span of Japan, you're so impressive,' but I'm actually not. The most impressive are these children. I wanted to show them that we all have our obstacles, but we must face them head-on and with bravery. When they're faced with theirs - many of them suffer from worse difficulties - they can see it's possible to overcome."
No need to be scared
Gary Leung, third from left, stands among supporters.
The Roly-Poly Inclusion Movement Association
Even though Leung is visually impaired, he does not let that stop him from running long distances. He believes that there is no need to fear lack of abilities, as the universe will give everyone other talents. He also feels supported and never alone, as his guide runners have sacrificed their time and resources to help him succeed.
Anita Lai, the beneficiary's chair, praised Leung's "remarkable dedication" in Japan as "a true source of inspiration for all young patients, encouraging them to face their illnesses with a positive outlook."
Leung, the first visually impaired runner in Hong Kong to hold a long-distance coaching license, has set impressive goals that surpass even his incredible feats of endurance.
"I want to pass on the torch. I'm no longer the youngest and won't be able to keep up with these distances for much longer," he says with a smile.
"I want to support my younger friends who have similar challenges and help them learn to enjoy exercise. It's not as simple for them to participate in physical activities as it is for able-bodied individuals, so I want to create a space where we can continue to provide opportunities for them - and for them to do the same for others."
Leung jogs alongside a guide during his recent long-distance run in Japan.
The Roly-Poly Inclusion Movement Association
Next up for Leung and his tight-knit crew is the Marathon des Sables, a 250km desert run from Morocco to France, next April.
The remainder of 2024 will be devoted to blueprinting an endurance course closer to home.
"I want to run the circumference of South Korea," Leung says.
"Were still figuring out the distances and logistics. I have the passing of the torch in mind, so I want to run it with others with visual impairments. Its never just about me."
