When Javi and Nuria take their place on the start line of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival this May, they will not be simply running a race. They will be showing what is possible when you refuse to give up on your dreams no matter what life throws at you.
Javi Lorenzo Sol, 53, and Núria Martí-Andrés, 48, are a married couple originally from Catalonia who have lived in Edinburgh for over four years. Javi has Retinitis Pigmentosa, a genetic visual impairment he has lived with since childhood. The condition usually begins early in life and gradually worsens over time; he now has around five percent vision.
The couple are preparing to take on the Edinburgh Marathon as a sighted guide running team, using their run to raise funds for Sight Scotland while shining a light on sighted guide running and the need for greater access, awareness and support for visually impaired runners. Running has always been a huge part of Javi’s life, but as his vision worsened it became more difficult and, at times, unsafe to run alone. It was then that Nuria began guiding him so he could continue doing what he loved.
Javi, who is a retired chef, explains: “Running is a big passion of mine. When my sight worsened, running alone became difficult and sometimes unsafe. That was when Nuria stepped in. She did not enjoy running at first, but she began guiding me so I could keep doing what I loved. Together we have learned that disability does not define you, and that with support, anything is possible. We now want to inspire others.
“For us, guided running is about much more than fitness. It is a constant practice of communication, awareness and trust. We have had to learn how to move as one.”
Nuria, who works as a finance director, comments: “I never liked running, but I did it for Javi and now I love it. Sighted guiding is a skill that takes practice. It involves constant listening, communication and awareness. No two runners are the same, so guides need to learn what works for each person. Running as a guided running couple is a big part of who we are. It gives us a shared purpose and really strengthens our relationship. Running supports both our physical health and our mental wellbeing, and I can see the difference it makes to Javi’s confidence and happiness, mine as well. It is worth every step.”
Javi and Nuria chose to support Sight Scotland because of all the help and support the charity provides for people with visual impairment across the country.
Javi says: “We chose to fundraise for Sight Scotland because I know firsthand how challenging it can be to live with a visual impairment, and how life changing the right support can be. People need someone they can turn to, someone who understands what they are going through. Sight Scotland does so many incredible things for people across the country, through rehabilitation, helping people at home, through education and so much more. The right support can change everything. Visual impairment does not limit what you can achieve.”
Nuria comments: “Accessibility is something we deeply believe in, not just as a necessity for people with disabilities, but as something that improves life, participation, and inclusion for everyone. For us, running is a powerful example of how the right support can open doors, boost confidence and just make people feel better about themselves.”
Javi adds: “If I can inspire even one person to start running, that would be amazing. Supporting Sight Scotland is an honour, and our motto is “no limits” – everything is possible.”
The Edinburgh Marathon Festival takes place on 24 May 2026.
If you would like to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival in support of Sight Scotland, registrations for 2027 are now open. Visit:
