Visually impaired runner brings motivational message to Kona Marathon

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Marri Murdoch’s running journey has taken her across the islands, including multiple Honolulu Marathons and the Maui Marathon.

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Murdoch is now heading to Hawaii Island for the Kona Marathon, but the run is just one part of her new mission.

“Super excited to get out there,” Murdoch told Hawaii News Now. “I am presenting to the National Federation of the Blind Kona chapter and meeting with some of the K–12 teachers of the visually impaired as well.”

Murdoch has been building up her nonprofit, Travel Visions Aloha for the Blind, over the last few years, helping fellow visually impaired people through running and other activities.

Starting on Oahu, Murdoch is excited to be branching out across the state, “building that connection within the islands and the camaraderie and really the confidence,” she said.

Murdoch lost her vision as an adult after suffering what is a known as a silent stroke. Despite thoughts of slowing down, she did the opposite.

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“Who would have thought that losing my vision would make me a more determined runner,” Murdoch said. “I was always a two- to three-mile-a-day kind of girl. Now I’m like, I get excited about 13, 14, 15, 20 miles. I’m begging my coach for more.”

Murdoch has been sharing her story through the nonprofit to show others that despite a setback, you can still pursue your passion.

“I think that’s the message, the main core of the message that I’m trying to spread with Travel Visions Aloha is when you lose your vision, sometimes you can lose a part of yourself and I never wanted to lose that running part of me,” Murdoch said.

It’s a race Murdoch believes can be won, and she’s focused on helping others take the first step.

“The world is your oyster,” Murdoch said. “You can literally just do anything that you want, and it’s motivating people left and right, and it’s just awesome to see this building.”

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Murdoch will take on the Kona Marathon on the Fourth of July.

Learn more about Travel Visions Aloha for the Blind here.