Some people run to stay fit. Some people run to explore. And some people, like Victor, our guide in Lima, run to connect people and connect with people.
I have been growing quite curious as to why people run. I was talking to Victor, our Lead Guide in Lima, about this, and his motives were really moving for me, as he uses running not just as a sport, but to open doors for others. For him, a run is never just a run.
Victor is involved in an association called Yo Soy Sus Ojos, which means “I am their eyes”. The organisation supports people with visual impairments and other disabilities, and he has guided a visually impaired runner through a full marathon in Uruguay. He also once ran the highest marathon in the world, in Peru, at around 4,300 metres above sea level, as part of a campaign to encourage blood donations for children with cancer. The common thread is always the same: he runs toward people.
We are lucky that he also uses running to connect with travellers on his running tours in Lima. On these tours, travellers can experience the history-rich colonial centre, shared by someone super proud of it, the bustling vibe of a South American megacity of 10 mio people, and beautiful coastal views and sea breeze for your lungs.
Oh, and for the post-run, ditch the fancy restaurants, which Lima has a lot of, and instead head to the local markets and enjoy street food that sends your tastebuds to the moon.
Our conversation went much longer than planned, but time flew by as we spoke about running, Lima, and connection.
You can listen to the full episode of Go! Running Talks here.
If Victor’s story has you curious about Lima, you can book a running tour with him here.
