REDDITCH runner Dr Doug Richards, has completed his 101st half marathon and raised lifesaving funds for the Midlands Air Ambulance.
Doug has been running marathons and half marathons for charity since the mid-80s.
So far he has completed 30 marathons and 101 half marathons, running more than 2,000 miles in the process and plans to undertake a further half marathon in the Antarctic in March 2018, where he will celebrate his 70th birthday.
“Inspired by watching the very first London marathon, I discovered running relatively late in life as I approached my mid-30s.
“Initially it was just a means of getting fitter but I was soon hooked and ran my first marathon within a year of my first one-mile run.
“After several city marathons, and an 80-mile Ultra along the South Downs, a holiday run in the USA triggered a desire for combining running and travel and this has led me to all corners of the planet.
“It hasn’t always been a straightforward journey and at various points in my life I have suffered severe bouts of anxiety and depression.
“I cannot overstate how much my running has helped me to deal with these episodes and I am privileged to now be both a run leader and an England Athletics mental health ambassador to help others discover the benefits that running can bring to both physical and mental wellbeing.”
Doug, who has so far raised more than £1,300 for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, hopes to raise at least £500 from his next two half marathons.
Michelle McCracken from Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said: “We are truly grateful to Doug who not only raises lifesaving funds for the charity, but also raises awareness of our vitally important service.”
To support Doug search ‘Doug’s Australian Outback page’ on Just Giving.
