For most people, competing in a 10k is a big enough hurdle to overcome.
But for one north-east man, the event presents an additional challenge, as he will be doing so while registered blind, with only limited vision.
Graham Findlay, chief executive of North East Sensory Services (NESS), will run in Aberdeen’s annual Baker Hughes 10k, which is being held this Sunday.
It will be the third time he has taken part in the event, and he will be doing so to raise funds and awareness for the charity.
As well as his fundraising efforts, Mr Findlay is attempting to earn a new personal best of 52 minutes, while tethered to a fully-sighted guide.
He was first diagnosed with the eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa in his early 20s.
The disease leads to significant sight loss and blindness and now, aged 48, he has only a pin-prick of sight left in his central vision.
Along with his running partner Paul Simpson, Mr Findlay has been training three times a week in preparation for the race.
Unlike the majority of runners taking part, the pair have had to take special account of the different terrain that the event covers.
In particular, the men have been concerned with safely navigating the city’s cobbled streets while running alongside thousands of people.
Mr Findlay said: “It is vital to find the right guide, both for safety and performance, obviously we need to run at the same pace – although I want to beat my personal best, but also we need to communicate well so that I am aware of obstacles such as crowds, turns and even kerbs.
“It takes a special type of person to guide a visually impaired runner as not only do they have to think about their own running, but they must be the eyes for me as I am depending on them to feedback via their speech and gestures, as well as committing to the training together.”
Sam Begg, project and events Manager at Sport Aberdeen, which organises the event, said it was great to welcome people such as Mr Findlay to the field.
She said: “The Baker Hughes 10K race is no stranger to inspiring stories and incredible athletes. Graham truly embodies the spirit of the race and his unbelievable efforts inspire us all. Sport Aberdeen and Baker Hughes would like to wish him and his guide the very best of luck with the race.”
NESS, which has offices in Aberdeen, Elgin and Dundee, was launched to help people overcome the potentially devastating effects of serious sight or hearing loss, whether they have been born deaf or blind or have developed serious vision or hearing problems.
Currently, the organisation works with 4,500 people across the north-east with both social work and other support services.