RW Hero of Running #4: Francois Jacobs

Blind runner Francois Jacobs has completed several Ironman events and ran his first Comrades this year.
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Blind runner, Francois Jacobs is one of the RW Heroes of Running Francois loves the freedom that being active gives him and believes it makes his waking hours more productive. Jacobs says training allows him to shake off work stress and leaves him feeling refreshed.

He does some of his training on the treadmill but believes there is no substitute for running on the road.

He has been blind since birth and has always enjoyed sport on a social level but only started training consistently in 2007.

He has inspired friends, colleagues and family members to adopt an active lifestyle. Many of his friends and colleagues say: “If you can do it, then surely we can too.”

Says Jacobs: “I think many people have a sport or activity they’ve always wanted to get into and are now realising they can. Once people have taken that leap of faith, before they know it they’re at the point where they can actually do it and make it happen.”

Francois ran his first Comrades in a time of 11:46:32.

Blind runner, Francois Jacobs is one of the RW Heroes of Running About the Runner's World Heroes of Running

Over the past year, there are runners who have inspired, encouraged and wowed us. RW decided to honour and recognise these heroes and asked YOU to nominate your heroes. We then selected five heroes from your nominations. these were announced at the Comrades Pasta Party held on the 28 May. Thanks to everyone for your nominations and huge congratulations to all our heroes - you are an inspiration to all runners. Please keep it up!

Other Runner's World Heroes of Running

• Ryan Sandes
• Stuart Wainwright
• Janet Mallen
• Mervin Smith

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