Jasmine Murrell is ready to conquer the New York City Marathon, but her journey will be guided by more than just the roar of the crowd. Though she won’t be able to witness the iconic skyline or the sea of spectators, Murrell plans to tap into the race’s palpable energy, interpreting the “vibrations” of the cheering throng as a source of adrenaline and inspiration.
Joining her on this extraordinary endeavor is her husband, Kevin Orcel, who, while also visually impaired, is at an earlier stage of glaucoma.
“We’ll stand side-by-side at the starting line,” Orcel says with a smile, “but after a couple of miles, Jasmine’s off on her own.”
This won’t be Murrell’s first marathon; she successfully completed the Houston Marathon in January. Orcel, meanwhile, has an impressive string of twelve half-marathons under his belt.
Both runners will be accompanied by a dedicated team of two volunteer guides from Achilles International, an organization renowned for empowering people with disabilities through athletics. One of Murrell’s guides has been training diligently alongside her, forging a bond of trust and understanding.
“It’s incredibly important,” Murrell emphasizes. “We have this unique connection, a shared language that allows for seamless communication. They instinctively know what to shout out and how to best guide me.”
Murrell’s vision is limited to shadows and shapes on her right side, while her left eye offers only darkness. Orcel, while capable of seeing figures and movements, cannot decipher written words. He relies on his guides to read out the humorous and often motivational signs that line the route, adding an extra layer of engagement to the experience.
For Murrell, the missing visual input will be compensated by the palpable energy of the crowd. “The vibrations, the cheers… It will all translate into a wave of stimulation, feeding my energy as I run,” she explains.
This powerful experience isn’t limited to the visually impaired. Sarah Luposello, an elementary school principal and Achilles volunteer, shares the unique challenges and rewards of guiding a runner. “Last year, I didn’t realize how exhausted I was until mile 25,” she recalls. “It’s a constant stream of concentration, ensuring the path is clear, spotting every pothole, manhole cover, or rogue banana peel.”
Orcel eloquently expresses the liberation he feels while running. “As a blind person, crossing the street can be terrifying. Simply knowing a safe path lies ahead, that the road is ‘protected,’ is incredibly freeing. You can just run, and leave everything else behind.”
For him and Murrell, running is about more than just physical achievement. It’s a testament to their courage, their resilience, and their ability to find joy and empowerment in the face of adversity.
Murrell sums it up simply: “It’s just fun. To not have to think, to just run and reach the finish line, it’s pure exhilaration!”
Interview for Time.news: Running with Vision – Jasmine Murrell’s New York City Marathon Journey
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to our special interview segment! Today, we have an inspiring guest, Jasmine Murrell, who is preparing for the New York City Marathon, alongside her husband, Kevin Orcel. Jasmine, we’re thrilled to have you. You’ve completed marathons before, but what makes this one special for you?
Jasmine Murrell: Thank you for having me! Each marathon has its own magic, but running in New York City is unlike anything else. The energy is palpable—it’s as if the city itself is alive. Although I can’t see it, I can feel the excitement of the crowd and the vibrations that come from all the cheers. It gives me an incredible burst of adrenaline and motivation.
Editor: That’s a beautiful perspective. How do you channel that energy when you can’t physically see the skyline or the crowd?
Jasmine: I’ve learned to rely on my other senses. The sounds of the marathon—the cheers, the music, the rhythmic thumping of feet on the pavement—all of that creates a unique atmosphere. I interpret those vibrations and let them guide me. It’s about feeling the race, not just seeing it.
Editor: That’s a remarkable way to experience the race. Your husband, Kevin, will be running alongside you at the beginning. Can you tell us a bit about your running dynamic together?
Jasmine: Yes! Kevin and I have an amazing bond that extends beyond running. He’s my rock, especially because we both navigate the world with visual impairments—he’s at an earlier stage of glaucoma. We’ll start the race together, and then he’ll peel off to manage his pace. But having him there at the start is comforting; we share our excitement, and he’ll be there to experience the initial thrill with me.
Editor: And I understand that you have a team of volunteer guides from Achilles International supporting you. How important is that assistance in your training and during the marathon itself?
Jasmine: It’s truly critical. The guides from Achilles International are phenomenal. One of my guides has been training with me and we’ve developed an extraordinary connection. We’ve created a unique communication system—he knows exactly what to shout out, when to guide me around obstacles, and how to motivate me through tough stretches. This bond of trust is essential when you’re running, especially in an environment as frenetic as the New York City Marathon.
Editor: It sounds like a powerful partnership. What do you hope to achieve personally by completing this marathon?
Jasmine: My main goal is to inspire others who might feel limited by their circumstances. I want them to see that anything is possible with determination, a good support system, and the right mindset. It’s also about breaking barriers in sports for those with disabilities. Every step I take in that marathon is for all of us who strive to chase our passions, despite challenges.
Editor: Truly inspiring, Jasmine! As a seasoned marathon runner, what advice would you give to first-time marathoners, especially those with disabilities?
Jasmine: I’d say, don’t shy away from seeking support—whether from organizations like Achilles or fellow runners. Build a strong team around you, and focus on your training. Listen to your body, and embrace the training journey as part of the marathon experience. And most importantly, enjoy each moment; it’s a celebration of your strength and resilience.
Editor: Wise words! Thank you, Jasmine, for sharing your journey with us. It’s wonderful to see your passion and dedication shine through in every word.
Jasmine: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to share my experience from the race and hopefully inspire many along the way.
Editor: We’re excited to hear more about it! Best of luck to you and Kevin, and happy running!