Blind runner ready for Robin Hood half-marathon
So how does he cope in a huge crowd of runners jostling for position?
"I never put myself in the middle of the crowd. I aim to find a place on the right or left side," he said.
Both as a warning and to show others what he is capable of James competes with a 'deaf and half-blind' sign on his back.
The 30-year-old, who has been deaf since birth, has balance problems but it doesn't prevent him running.
In fact running, he says, makes his legs stronger.
James, who was interviewed via e-mail, told the Post: "Poor balance is common for deaf people with visual impairments.
"I'm a natural athlete. I like to do lots of walking and running. I find running more exciting."
The 30-year-old took part in the 10k BUPA Great Yorkshire run in Sheffield last Sunday and last month's Chesterfield Spire ten-mile run.
Now he's gearing up for Nottingham's Robin Hood Half-marathon this Sunday.
"My biggest worry is at the start and I want everyone to keep two metres away from me. I have to slow down, keep an eye on the runners' feet until I feel comfortable about ten to 15 minutes later."
James's deafness is a result of Usher syndrome, which also causes an eye condition affecting the retina, leading to night blindness and tunnel vision.
He developed this condition, retinitis pigmentosa, when he was nine and was registered blind in 2004.
Eight years ago it took him more than five hours to run and walk the London Marathon.
But his eyesight has grown worse since then, with frequent black floaters in both eyes and tunnel vision which he describes as "quite thick."
He wears special glasses outdoors to reduce the glare.
Night blindness makes it difficult for him to join a club.
"I'm desperate to join a local running club as I want to become a serious runner," said James.
"I've e-mailed most of them – but only one club has responded.
"The problem is most of their meeting sessions are in the evening. I can't see in the dark. I prefer daylight."
James is about to get a personal assistant, funded by social services, who could accompany him to training sessions.
"I can understand that most local running clubs are not sure over communication issues but I can bring my hearing personal assistant for an interpretation with other runners before and after training.
"I don't need communication while I'm running."
Ideally James – who doesn't work but hopes to once he has proper support from a personal assistant – would like to find a running partner.
Having moved from Chesterfield to Sherwood last year, his request has gone unheeded, despite appeals to Sense, Deafblind UK, the Nottingham and Derby deaf community and 50 voluntary organisations across Derbyshire.
He hopes to have more luck in Notts.
"I was amazed no one contacted me. I think that's because most of them are not sure what they can do with me being deaf and half blind."
"What I need from a running partner is for them to run about five metres in front of me so I can follow. I don't need holding over an arm," explained James, who goes out running two to three times a week.
"I manage to look out at my surroundings while I'm running but it's quite tiring as it's a mix of caution, anxiety and checks.
"If I was with a running partner, all my stress would be gone, without question."
His efforts were thwarted for four years due to foot problems but after seeing a succession of podiatrists, James has found his left leg is 10mm shorter than the right.
Both feet also have high arches so he has to wear insoles to reduce the impact on his body
The Chesterfield and Sheffield runs have boosted his confidence and he would like to take part in running events around Europe, possibly building up to full marathons.
"I want to run more. I want to aim to have 100 finish medals in ten years time before my sight 'might' tell me to give up.
"Then I would be able to be proud of my achievements when I look back."
Anyone interested in being James' running partner can e-mail him at lfcjamescfc@mac.com
lynette.pinchess@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
James Clarke
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