Marathoner Pat Galligan, 50, from downstate Edwardsville, IL, is legally blind from retinitis pigmentosa and needs a guide runner for this year's LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.

Here's a note from him:

"I ran my first marathon last year in Chicago by myself, not realizing how much trouble I would have navigating with so many other runners. Luckily, I was rescued by a school teacher from Houston, who guided me over the last 10 miles. Time was around 4:50.

"Hoping for another guardian angel capable of running a sub 4-hour marathon. I'm hoping to hit 4:00-4:15. If I find a partner by this Friday, we can both be allowed to start from the "preferred" category in order to limit congestion for me, according to marathon official. After Friday, we start with everyone else but that's OK.

"Thanks for your help.

"I'll be up with my family on race weekend and am in Chicago about once per quarter as I have many friends and family on the north side.

"Thanks"

Contact info: Pat Galligan PGalligan@genam.com Work: (314) 444-0441 Home: (618) 656-6599