The 2014 Boston Marathon is poised to be the most successful in recent history. Over $150 million has been raised for charity, Bostonians are rallying around strength and resilience, and over 9,000 more entrants are participating than last year. Part of that participation proliferation comes in the form of partakers.

The Boston Athletic Association and the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired announced on Tuesday that the Marathon will feature 63 visually impaired runners, the most it’s ever enjoyed.

“We are honored to set a standard for visually impaired runners in the running community,” said Tom Grilk, Executive Director of the Boston Athletic Association in a statement. “These tremendous runners are a tribute to the great spirit and determination that have defined the Boston Marathon since its beginning.”

Of the 63 participants – 45 male and 18 female – an overwhelming 55 qualified as runners while the remaining eight have entered on behalf of charitable organizations and non-profits. Of that field, 19 were unable to cross the finish line last year because of the tragic dual combustions that tore through Boylston Street. Exemplifying the optimism and energy of the visually impaired is that 20 of the 63 have registered for the first time.

In 2013, just 40 registered.

“We’re inspired that more blind and visually impaired athletes will be running in this year’s Boston Marathon than in any other marathon in the U.S.,” noted Barbara Salisbury, CEO of MABVI, in a statement. “This is the perfect example of what our programs are all about. With the right assistance, people who are visually impaired can do anything!”

Some of the visually impaired have enough sight to run on their own. Those who do not are allowed guides who may or may not run with them on tethers, but most certainly advise of any turns, potholes, course changes, collisions or hazards.