AI smart glasses enable visually impaired runners to compete in London Marathon by providing real-time navigation and terrain guidance

Visually impaired runners will use AI-powered smart glasses at the London Marathon to receive live audio guidance about course terrain, obstacles, and pacing — a first for this major sporting event.

The glasses use computer vision (AI that processes what a camera sees) to detect hazards like potholes and curbs ahead of time, then convert that into spoken directions delivered through bone-conduction audio, so runners hear instructions without blocking ambient sound.

This removes a major barrier for blind and low-vision athletes: previously, they needed sighted guides running alongside them. Now they can navigate independently or with minimal assistance, opening marathon participation to people who couldn't safely complete the race before.

The technology is being deployed at the London Marathon; runners interested in using the glasses should contact the marathon organizers or the accessibility partners involved in the pilot program for details on availability and registration.