Father to run marathon 'in symbolic recognition' of deaf people to honour son

Louise Walsh

A father is set to run this year's Dublin marathon in complete silence, almost two years after finding out his newborn son was profoundly deaf.

Munro Ruigrok will run his 14th marathon on Sunday, but this time, he will face the extra challenges of trying to find his balance and breath in stunning quiet, surrounded by cheering crowds and jostles of runners that he simply won't hear.

The athlete from Rush, Co Dublin, will wear noise-cancelling headphones and an ear mould to raise awareness of the challenges and supports for children and adults with deafness or hearing loss.

The new father's world was thrown a curveball when he and his wife, Clodagh, were told their first baby, Colton, may have a hearing difference at only two days old. After more tests, it was revealed that Colton was profoundly deaf.

Colton now has cochlear implants fitted and his brain is learning to hear and recognise sounds gradually.

"I will be running this marathon in symbolic recognition of the deaf experience and to champion my son and every deaf child, parent and person navigating a world not always built with them in mind," said the 39-year-old.

"It will be a challenge in finding my balance and breath without being able to hear.

"I will be largely dependent on the thud of my feet and will have to control my breathing. It's only when your hearing is removed that you realise how largely you rely on it subconsciously. I will be more reliant on my other senses such as touch and vision on the day.

"I will see runners coming in my peripheral vision, but I won't hear their cries of 'coming up on the right' or warnings about leaves or puddles ahead."

Munro will be wearing a t-shirt advertising that he is running in silence.

Colton was diagnosed with Pendred's Syndrome after birth, which causes loss of hearing in children. Often any residual hearing fades as they get older.

After wearing a number of hearing aids, the Colton was fitted with an implant six months ago, which electronically stimulates hearing.

"The level of hearing he now has is phenomenal, even in its early days. Colton interacts with, and absolutely loves, sound, especially music. He is learning to speak and also uses sign language, which we have been learning since he was only a few weeks old.

"He tackles life with great gusto and he is just a remarkable little character. People say all children experience the world in their own way - Colton just started navigating his journey a bit earlier."

Munro is raising awareness of the charity and support group Chime, which is invaluable to deaf and hard-of-hearing people and their families.

"We had no family history of hearing loss, and we knew nothing about what this journey would look like. We had so much to learn, but from day one we were guided on his hearing technology, on medical checks, on resources and on early language techniques and strategies, to build a strong foundation which would shape his whole life.

"The resources and support provided by Chime (Ireland's national deaf charity) and other deaf services are invaluable. The advocacy, early intervention and expert guidance gave our family a path forward and support to answers we couldn't find."

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so at https://idonate.ie/fundraiser/munroruigrok.