Leber hereditary optic neuropathy

... essentially took your vision, if you don't mind, because I've never heard of it before.

LHON? Is that...

Am I-

Yes

I felt like I was getting more blind as the race went on because my vision got more blurry.

I've lost, like, 90% of my central vision to Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, LHON, so that's why my reaction timing h- has gotten so much better.

But yeah, Richie describing the route in front of me and frankly just supported me the entire way through was The reason why I was able to be the first blind man to complete it in living memory

Richard's sighted guide was Richie Jackson, who provided verbal guidance throughout the race.