2027

Almost blind. One international marathon. Completely independently.

Lowie van Eck will run an international marathon independently in 2027. Where and when? That remains a secret.
Raising awareness of ADOA and invisible visual impairment.
Lowie van Eck running in the woods
Why?

Making the invisible visible.

I have ADOA, a very rare inherited eye condition that causes progressive damage to the optic nerve. I have around 6% vision. From the outside, this is often invisible. That means I could take part in an international marathon without anyone realising how little I can actually see.

Through Running Solo, I want to raise awareness of ADOA and invisible visual impairment.

What is ADOA? →
The story started in 2025

First independently in the Netherlands.

In March 2025, Lowie van Eck became, as far as is known, the first visually impaired runner to complete a full marathon entirely independently and without a guide. With Running Solo, he takes that achievement beyond the Netherlands in 2027.

Lowie van Eck at the 2025 Lentemarathon
Running Solo status

Has the independent international marathon already taken place?

No
Example · one marathon weekend

How will it work?

During one marathon weekend, several races can take place around the world. This example shows how Running Solo will keep the location and date uncertain until the independent marathon has been completed in 2027.