SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - For many athletes running a marathon is a lifelong goal, but imagine running 26 miles without seeing the road in front of you.
There are only a handful of blind marathon runners in California and Matt Oliver is one of them. He is a 26-year-old legally blind marathon runner looking for victory not sympathy.
Growing up in Santee, Matt had perfect vision. He played baseball and won BMX competitions, but at the age of 15 he developed Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.
Oliver now lives with extreme tunnel vision. Instead of baseball and bikes, Matt started running six days a week. Matt follows his guide and his heart. Maribel Vasquez rides a bike and is his Matt's guide and girlfriend.
Even though Maribel is legally blind too, she's helping Matt for the long run.
Matt ran the 2015 Boston Marathon. His time of three hours and 13 minutes landed him second on the podium for impaired vision.
He then met San Diego's most famous runner Meb Kefflezghi.
Matt's ultimate goal is to qualify for the Paralympic Games, but he needs sponsorships to make that dream come true.
Matt is also looking for volunteer guide runners to help him train. His next marathon is in December.
If you'd like to support Matt with a donation, CLICK HERE