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A blind runner finished the NYC Half guided by smart glasses

Thomas Panek, CEO of Lighthouse Guild, became the first blind runner to complete the NYC Half Marathon wearing AI smart glasses that let his coach see through his eyes and guide him remotely from Colorado. The glasses could give blind runners far more independence on the road. Technology didn't replace the human guide — it set the runner free.

The upbeat factorHis coach was 1,700 miles away, seeing through his eyes.
✓ Verified · WCMU (NPR) · 2026-04-01 · USA
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