AT&T : The Road To Kona

Watch Erich Manser, a Blind Runner Embark on the Experience of a Lifetime

What will you do on Saturday? Catch up on house chores. Maybe watch a soccer or football game. Take the kids pumpkin picking. Whatever it is, most likely you won't swim 2.4 miles, then bike 112 miles and finish the day with a 26.2-mile marathon.

But that's exactly what Erich Manser will do. He'll participate in the 40th annual Ironman World Championship. Erich, along with over 2,000 athletes, will embark on a 140.6-mile journey that presents the ultimate test of body, mind and spirit to earn the title of Ironman.

What's unique about Erich's journey through the grueling triathlon, is that he will be the only blind athlete competing this year. This is particularly meaningful, as October marks Blind Awareness Month.

We first shared Erich's story when he ran the Boston Marathon. He wore the Aira smart glasses powered by AT&T to help him navigate through the streets of Boston. Like others, we were inspired by his story. We've followed Erich's accomplishments. One being is that he has the fastest-known time (10:42:59) for the Blind/VI class in an Ironman competition.

So, when we heard that Erich was chosen to participate in the premier Ironman event in Kona, we were proud to join Aira to sponsor Erich's participation.

The Ironman World Championship centers on the dedication and courage exhibited by participants who demonstrate the Ironman mantra that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.® Erich exemplifies that mantra.

I know what I'll be doing on Saturday. I'll stream the Ironman World Championship. And I'll cheer on Erich as he embarks on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Join us in cheering Erich on. And follow along on Erich's Ironman journey using #ErichRunsKona.