Strengthening bonds
For many participants, the benefits of Red Stars go far beyond the running track, including physical strength, confidence, and independence.
One of them is Zhang Qian, who experienced depression after losing his eyesight in his 30s. Initially, he doubted whether running was even possible, given that he often bumps into things while walking. Despite his reservations, he decided to give it a try.
With the steady support of his guide runners, Zhang has made progress step by step. "I went from just a few kilometers at the beginning to 10 kilometers now," he said.
Zhang Qian's regular guide runner is Zhang Hongying, who has grown alongside him. Before joining Red Stars, she could barely run two kilometers. This past winter, she completed a half marathon.
"It's the determination of the runners that keeps me going. They treasure every opportunity to run and always give their best," she said. "We are not merely helpers and those being helped — we're friends who achieve things together."
Man Xinyuan, 23, a senior at JGSU and a volunteer with Red Stars, believes the runners need to be treated as equals and offered genuine companionship.
He recalled accompanying a runner with vision loss to a marathon in Zunyi, Guizhou province, in 2023. Man wanted to take photos for him, but his partner declined, explaining that his phone's screen reader can only read text, so images mean nothing to him.
"Don't worry — I'll help you 'see' them," Man replied. He later sent detailed text descriptions of each photo so his partner could imagine the event.
According to Man, Red Stars feels like a family, with people supporting each other both on and off the track. As an environmental design major, he drew inspiration from the program for his graduation project: an inclusive kindergarten designed with accessibility in mind. He also hopes to create a comprehensive visual identity for Red Stars.
"Students from different academic backgrounds contribute in many ways and grow through the experience," Hu said.
Design students create patterns for guide ropes and team uniforms, psychology students offer emotional support, and sports science students lead rehabilitation exercises.
"As a teacher, it is incredibly rewarding to watch students grow from freshmen into capable, confident, and determined young adults," Hu added.
