The database, entitled “Find a Guide”, will allow anyone over the age of 18 to go for a run on their own, join a club or running group or take part in an event or race.

It uses a search function to allow runners to locate a guide in their area and all those listed on the database are Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked.

They have also attended an England Athletics "Sight Loss Awareness and Guide Running’" workshop.

The launch comes as part of England Athletics and BBS’ attempt at growing visually-impaired running in the nation and further guides are set to be trained over the next year.

The database follows a survey in December revealing low sporting participation figures among those with visual impairment, which revealed only 11.8 per cent of adults with a visual impairment take part in sport once a week compared with 39.3 per cent of non-disabled adults.

“We’re really pleased to launch the Find a Guide database to help more visually impaired people to run,” national disability manager at England Athletics Liz Purbrick said.

“Whether they are new to running, want to get back into running or already run, the database can help them connect with licensed guide runners to support them.”

BBS, a national charity which helps blind and partially sighted people get active and play sport, have hailed the partnership with England Athletics and the development of the database.

“The Find a Guide database is the product of an excellent project between British Blind Sport and England Athletics,” BBS chief executive Alaina MacGregor said.

“We hope that the database will allow more visually impaired people to enjoy running, safe in the knowledge that they can connect with a guide runner who is trained, vetted and passionate about running.”

England Athletics are inviting those interested in becoming a guide runner to register by clicking here while the database can be accessed here.