On Saturday 29 October, running author and motivational speaker Doug Richards aims to complete a major personal landmark at his local parkrun in Worcestershire. He will have run 24,902 miles or the circumference of the planet around the equator. 

The 74 year old retired medical scientist is meticulous when it comes to recording each run, noting down the time, distance, conditions, etc in his diary. This habit began in 1981 and continues to this day. His cumulative mileage has almost reached the magical total. 

His running achievements, of which there are many, include the Marathon des Sables; a half marathon on each of the seven continents; multi-stage events in China and Sri Lanka; trail races in Jordan, Myanmar and Syria and other runs in South Africa and Greenland. These have raised thousands of pounds for charity and he's also a Run Leader and an Athletics Mental Health Champion. 

This year he was chosen as a baton bearer for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. 

Doug has a fondness for Arrow Valley parkrun where he is a regular participant and recently (15 October) posted his fastest time since February 2020. This parkrun has been in his words “A major part of my life” and “Rather than reach this milestone on my own I want to share the moment with my many friends whether they be runners, walkers or volunteers. Every one of them has contributed to a wonderfully supportive weekly community event for more than 10 years.” 

He looks forward to seeing plenty of friends at this celebratory occasion.  

Image courtesy of Phil Pearce.