At the time, it was primarily a safety issue for Graeme McCreath and other runners, said Shannon Kowalko, vice-president of the VIRS and promotions and community relations manager of the Times Colonist.

It was feared that McCreath, an experienced runner, would undergo even more jostling with an early start, given at least 2,000 generally aggressive elite runners were expected to overtake him.

The Times Colonist is the lead sponsor but does not manage the race.

VIRS will comply with the ruling and provide early starts for runners with visual impairments in this year’s TC 10K on April 28, Kowalko said.

The details of the start policy have not been confirmed.

“I look forward to working with the organizers in making the event inclusive for blind people which should enrich this popular event,” McCreath said in a statement. — Times Colonist

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