Miles Hilton-Barber, 64, lost his sight more than 27 years ago.
He is running the tough challenge alongside his sighted guide and personal trainer, Phil Wigley, who will act as Miles' eyes for the event.
Miles is hoping to raise £10,000 for the charity Seeing Is Believing.
Miles, from Duffield, works across the world as a motivational speaker for the Royal National Institute for the Blind and is now getting ready for the big day on Sunday.
Miles's fund-raising goal is £10,000, which would be enough for cataract operations for hundreds of children.
He said: "These operations only cost £20 and they can give children the gift of sight. It is a topic that is definitely close to my heart.
"When I'm running just past my 18th mile, it's these sort of thoughts and the reasoning behind it that keeps me going.
"I feel very encouraged for the marathon but also, at the same time, quite nervous."
The pair flew from Heathrow Airport last night for the marathon.
The charity Seeing Is Believing aims to tackle avoidable blindness and works in partnership with leading eye care organisations.
Miles and Phil will make an appearance at Central Park for the event's opening ceremony, at which they will hold a Union Flag with pride.
Miles said: "The whole event is a huge honour but to wave the flag is very special.
"I believe the biggest gift we can give our own bodies is exercise and wellbeing – plus think of how much money people could raise for charities if more people did the same.
"The only limits in life are those we accept ourselves. Every day is a gift that many people don't unwrap."
His other adventures include becoming the first blind pilot to fly a jet fighter and flying a microlight from London to Sydney. He has also taken part in an 11-day run across China and a 150-mile Sahara Desert trek.
To sponsor the pair, visit www.justgiving.com/ mileshilton-barber.
Read more: http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Intrepid-Miles-New-York-marathon/story-20019483-detail/story.html#ixzz3Xw1UuiDX
A BLIND runner is gearing up to take part in the gruelling New York Marathon to help give the gift of sight to children born in developing countries.
Miles Hilton-Barber, of Ferrers Crescent, Duffield, lost his sight more than 27 years ago but has remained a daredevil.
He became the first blind pilot to fly a jet fighter and to fly a microlight from London to Sydney and he has also taken part in an 11-day run across China and a 150-mile trek across the Sahara Desert.
The 64-year-old, who works across the world as a motivational speaker for the Royal National Institute for the Blind, is now getting ready for his next challenge on November 3.He has been in training with his sighted guide and personal trainer, Phil Wigley, who will act as Miles's eyes on the 26.2-mile course.
Miles will be raising money to pay for children born blind in the developing world to have cataract operations.
He said: "These operations only cost £20 and they can give children the gift of sight. It is a topic that is definitely close to my heart.
"I believe the biggest gift we can give our own bodies is exercise and wellbeing – plus think of how much money people could raise for charities if more people did the same.
"The only limits in life are those we accept ourselves. Every day is a gift that many people don't unwrap."
Although Miles has completed many challenges in the past, his training hasn't gone as smoothly as he had hoped, with his demanding travel schedule and strained ligaments in his knee hampering his efforts.
But he said: "I am a little nervous because of this but, either way, it's a cheaper way to visit New York than a bus tour. I love that Phil is my guide for the marathon, it is my way of getting my own back on him for torturing me through my training."
Mr Wigley, 34, of Derby Road, Stanton-by-Bridge, said: "When he asked me to be his guide, I felt very honoured. The guy is a legend."
Phil is also finding the training gruelling as this will be his first marathon.
He said: "It will be difficult to navigate and separate Miles from the crowd and we may come across difficulties with him hearing me.
"Whether it takes six hours or not, I'm sure we'll get through it, but it will definitely be mentally tough."
Phil believes that, because of the many endurance challenges Miles has completed in the past, he sees no reason why the marathon will not be achievable.
To sponsor Miles, go to seeisbelieving.org.
Blind adventurer Miles to take on New York Marathon
By Derby Telegraph | Posted: September 21, 2013
Derbyshire
Personal Trainer
2014 Great North run with Miles Hilton-Barber!
The world's leading half marathon, the Great North Run, was first staged in 1981 where just over 12,000 people took part on the 13.1 mile course from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields; with entries reaching 57,000 people in 2014.
Last year the Great North Run took its place in history as it became the first International Association of Athletics Federations event in the world to welcome its millionth finisher.
The event is broadcast on BBC and attracts a host of world-class athletes. Previous runners include some of the most famous names in distance running; Mo Farah, Paula Radcliffe and Haile Gebrselassie.
The new place - Make it happen
Having been a Personal Trainer for over 20 years, it had always been my dream to have my own premises.
I began looking locally and entered discussions with some local agents when Covid-19 hit. Not the ideal time to make such a big financial commitment, however, it did give me time to refine my plans and to decide exactly what I wanted.
As businesses began opening again, I restarted the search, Wow what a search it was!! It was definitely NOT easy.
Eventually we found THE place.
The first picture shows what we walked in to view, but I loved it instantly, I could see the potential straight away, I knew exactly what I wanted and this space could definitely offer it. The only problem, we had 3 weeks until I was to be 'allowed' to re-open and I desperately wanted to start working from the new place on April 12th.
I called in ALOT of favours from family & friends, and I am forever grateful to them for all of their help, advice and support (and lunchtime food supplies). We had quite a few late nights and early starts but we did it! My clients love it, and going forward it will allow me to offer so much more.
I still have lots of plans and I am constantly adding new equipment so watch this space!!
Phil