Blind vet runs in Clearwater Turkey Trot

An estimated 161000 runners walkers and strollers filled the streets of Clearwater this morning for the 33 annual times Turkey -- There's channel is more Douglas tells us 110 -- runner in particular was a real standout now for how we finish. But for how he started this race. What do it's amazing grace or just an amazing race Brad Snyder as the -- I started running after I gave up Simon Brad was a champion distance swimmer and high school and college put on this day. He's going the distance on the streets of Clearwater with friends and family.

I'd give my best I yeah I believe it he needed some help with the starting line yeah that's because he's totally blind.

my friends. Right okay.

Zero in words yeah.

Eleven weeks ago navy lieutenant Brad Snyder was on patrol in Afghanistan. When an IED blast blinded him it's been a really awesome experience to get. Get it -- where I am today from where I was three months ago every now and then you get that patient that -- that we're -- yeah. Lindsey car hardest one of -- physical therapists at the James Haley veterans' hospital and so he isn't just my kid I think. Brett Snyder is by no means the fastest runner on the track today. But he's certainly one of the bravest the only thing I can't do at this point is drive. I mentioned crossing a busy street with her eyes closed then try running six miles in this -- more more you. You know. Try to get past your fear of the dark and it works and it it feels more more comfortable so at this point I don't really given a second thought but initially it was very daunting. In the world of wounded warriors Brad considers himself. One of the lucky ones. They're guys have been putting up with a lot worse than me -- triple amputees and things like that and and those guys have some really inspirational stories Brad believes -- best days are still ahead. And this is one of -- couple people are yelling go -- I appreciated that and so does his family and think.

From my -- and the yeah I think we'll. It is crazy amazing recovery for our first Thanksgiving dinner Kurt. Good number of years here calm and so -- really looking forward to some -- later enough palms resort to Don Thompson.

I think we're here the rock and a half marathon and -- February yourself. Your surface no yes yeah.

Brett Snyder may have returned from war without his vision. His spirit is intact. Think Clearwater Mark Douglas -- channeling. And -- slaughter is a graduate of the US Naval Academy he wants to work with other wounded warriors return to a job with the Defense Department after his recovery. Life is home this family in Saint Petersburg enjoying Thanksgiving.