Married Edinburgh Couple Run Marathon to Champion Visually Impaired Runners
Javi and Nuria
As Javi Lorenzo Sol and Núria Martí-Andrés prepare to stand on the start line of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival this May, they will be running for far more than a finish time. Their marathon journey represents resilience, trust, and the power of support in overcoming life’s challenges.
Originally from Catalonia and now living in Edinburgh, Javi, 53, and Núria, 48, will take part in the Edinburgh Marathon as a sighted guide running team while raising funds for Sight Scotland. Through their participation, they hope to raise awareness about sighted guide running and highlight the importance of accessibility and inclusion for visually impaired runners.
Javi has lived with Retinitis Pigmentosa since childhood, a genetic eye condition that gradually reduces vision over time. Today, he has around five per cent of his sight remaining. Despite the challenges this presents, running has remained a lifelong passion.
However, as his vision deteriorated, running independently became increasingly difficult and unsafe. Determined not to let the condition stop him, Javi found support in his wife, Núria, who began guiding him during runs so he could continue doing what he loved.
“Running is a huge passion of mine,” Javi explains. “When my sight worsened, running alone became difficult and, at times, unsafe. That was when Núria stepped in. She didn’t enjoy running at first, but she started guiding me so I could keep going. Together, we’ve learned that disability does not define you and that with support, anything is possible.”
For the couple, guided running has become much more than exercise. It is built on communication, trust, and teamwork.
“We’ve had to learn how to move as one,” Javi says. “Guided running is a constant practice of awareness and communication.”
Núria, who works as a finance director, admits she never expected running to become such an important part of her life.
“I never liked running, but I started doing it for Javi, and now I love it,” she says. “Sighted guiding is a skill that takes patience and practice. Every runner is different, so guides need to understand what works best for each person.”
She believes running together has strengthened both their relationship and wellbeing.
“It gives us a shared purpose,” she explains. “Running supports both our physical health and mental wellbeing. I can see the difference it makes to Javi’s confidence and happiness, and to mine as well.”
The couple chose to support Sight Scotland because of the organisation’s long-standing commitment to supporting people with visual impairments across Scotland. Formerly known as Royal Blind, the charity has been helping people with sight loss for more than 230 years through rehabilitation, education, and community support services.
“We chose to fundraise for Sight Scotland because I know firsthand how challenging visual impairment can be,” says Javi. “The right support can completely change someone’s life. Visual impairment should never limit what you can achieve.”
Núria adds that accessibility benefits everyone, not just people living with disabilities.
“For us, running shows how the right support can open doors, build confidence, and help people feel included,” she says.
As they prepare for race day, the couple hope their story inspires others to challenge barriers and pursue their ambitions.
“Our motto is ‘no limits’,” says Javi. “Everything is possible.”
If you would like to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival in support of Sight Scotland, registrations for 2027 are now open. Visit:
