Relentless Romero Blogs

What a difference 24 hours can make, having an open mind, open communication and working for the common good. This morning I posted a blog asking the Western States 100 Endurance Run and the RD - Craig Thornley to be equitable to blind runners who qualify for the race, and are successful in the lottery.  This afternoon I received an e-mail from Craig which led to a telephone call.  During that telephone call Craig and I discussed many points, but were able to focus on the main issue that had prompted me to spend countless weeks, spend a lot of money, and inconvenience 7 crew members to help me put together a run protesting the effective ban of blind runners at Western States. During my conversation with Craig, we talked about many things including the Special Consideration process (which is fine with me), the requirement that blind athletes must qualify for the race like everybody else (which I agree with), the requirement that if a blind athlete is not accepted for Specia

I want blind people to be treated equitably and permitted to run the Western States 100 Endurance Run.  Currently, the Race Director has effectively prohibited blind runners from participating due to enacting and enforcing new discriminatory policies. Last year I ran the Vermont 100, finished in under 24 hours and qualified for the Western States 100.  I contacted the Western States Race Director and asked for admission through the "Special Consideration" process due to my visual impairment and need for a guide.  The Special Consideration criteria is defined on the WS100 website as follows: The Board of Trustees reserves the right to grant admission to runners via special consideration. While this special consideration definition is broadly drafted, it is narrowly applied, and each year very few are granted entry. These are limited to: Exceptional Circumstances.  Where exceptional circumstances warrant . . . special consideration may be granted . . .  The