James will be running around the island of Mallorca to raise money and awareness for charities, part of the proceeds will be donated to EBU, for which we are extremely grateful. Below, in answer to questions from EBU, James explains more about his challenge and himself.
A selfie of James running in the countryside
A little background about yourself, tell us more about your running passion, when did you start taking this up as a hobby? Have you ever competed in major running events?
Hi, I’m James Barlow from Manchester, UK – and yes, I’m the slightly mad guy who decided to run around the entire island of Mallorca! I’ve been running in some form or another for a long time, but it wasn’t until I turned 30, about three years ago, that I really caught the running bug. That year, I committed to training for my first marathon and ended up running it in April 2023, finishing in a time I never imagined possible: 3 hours and 17 minutes.
Later that year, I pushed myself further and completed my first 50km ultramarathon, finishing 3rd overall in 4 hours and 55 minutes. Since then, I’ve taken on many unofficial marathon and ultramarathon distances on my own. Running has become more than a hobby, it's a part of who I am now, it’s how I keep my mind clear. That passion is what inspired me to try and create something special, a unique challenge we’ve named the Mallorca 400.
Question
This time, you’re taking a challenge consisting of running around the whole island of Mallorca (Spain). Most of all, you’re using this initiative to raise money for two NGOs working the area of visual impairment: the Visually Impaired Sailing Association (VISA) in the UK, and the European Blind Union. What inspired you to pursue such a mission? Is this the first time you carry an initiative such as this one?
My eldest brother Andrew is registered blind due to a condition called retinitis pigmentosa, which he was diagnosed with at the age of 19. Over the years, I’ve wanted to do something meaningful to raise awareness and support for people living with visual impairments – and especially for Andrew, but I’d never taken that step until now.
Mallorca is a place that holds deep meaning for us as a family, we’ve been visiting the island since we were children. So when the idea of a unique, personal challenge came about, it felt right to connect it to somewhere that’s part of our shared story. That’s how the Mallorca 400 was born.
I first discovered VISA through a separate conversation Andrew was having with them. Their mission – empowering visually impaired people to experience the joy of sailing, instantly resonated. The sea is something very close to our hearts as a family, and supporting a UK-based charity that offers those kinds of life-changing experiences just made sense.
At the same time, I wanted the challenge to have international reach, which led me to the European Blind Union (EBU). I reached out and got in touch with Lars, who was incredibly welcoming. We had a great conversation – he even told me about a marathon he recently completed himself, which was incredibly inspiring. The work that EBU does across Europe is vital, and I knew right away I wanted to support them too.
So yes, this is the first time I’ve done anything like this, but it certainly won’t be the last. Both VISA and EBU deserve recognition and support, and I hope this challenge shines a light on their amazing work.
Question:
Sports can be a powerful awareness-raising path towards a more inclusive society. In a world where sporting activities and venues are not always accessible for everybody, how can citizens best contribute to underscore the daily barriers faced by persons with disabilities, and more particularly people with visual impairment?
I believe education and awareness are key. Having grown up with Andrew, I have learnt and am aware about some of the additional challenges he faces in certain environments. That allows me to anticipate certain situations and help him. A lot of people want to help but simply don’t know how or aren’t aware of the obstacles that exist for those living with visual impairments.
Understanding those challenges is the first step to becoming an ally. For example, knowing how to guide someone properly, or how to make environments more accessible, can make a massive difference.
Sport has this incredible power to bring people together and challenge perceptions. Through the Mallorca 400, I hope to show what’s possible – not just for people with sight, but for those living with visual impairments as well. Lars is a perfect example of that: he’s out there doing marathons, breaking down barriers. That’s the kind of visibility and inspiration we need more of.
Question:
James, you have a professional background within the private sector in the UK. We would like to know more about British companies’ commitments in the beforementioned area: is there a strong Social Corporate Responsibility culture when it comes to promoting cultural, leisure or sporting activities among persons with visual impairment in the UK?
From my personal experience, I would have to say no – not strongly enough. While many companies do have programs and there’s growing awareness around inclusivity, I think support for people with visual impairments – particularly in the context of cultural and sporting opportunities – is still quite limited.
There’s definitely room for improvement. I’d love to see more businesses getting involved in meaningful partnerships with organizations like VISA or the EBU, supporting accessible sports programs or even sponsoring events that cater specifically to those with visual impairments.
Question:
How can people still support your challenge? On a more personal level, beyond the fundraising element, what do you expect out of this challenge?
There are so many ways people can support the Mallorca 400. Donations are massively appreciated and go directly to VISA and the EBU to help them continue their life-changing work. But support goes beyond money. Sharing our journey, spreading the word about these two incredible organizations, following and engaging with them on social media, all of that matters too.
On a personal level, I hope this challenge helps raise as much awareness as possible. If we can help even a few more people understand what life is like for those with visual impairments, and the amazing things they are capable of, then that will be a success in my eyes.
Question:
And just a final, but quick question: any words that you would like to share with the EBU Community at large?
Thank you for all your hard work. Thank you for dedicating your lives to helping others. You inspire me, and I’m honoured to be running in support of your mission.