REDDITCH adventure runner Dr Doug Richards is hoping to reach a personal milestone next weekend at Arrow Valley parkrun.
Doug, who was chosen as a baton bearer for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, is one of the few people in the world who has run at least a half marathon on all seven continents of the globe before their 70th birthday.
With that many miles under his belt, he is fast approaching the magic figure of 24,902 miles, which is the circumference of the planet around the equator.
Dough is hoping to reach this milestone at the Arrow Valley park run, at which he is a regular.
He said: “Ever since my first one mile run back in 1981, I have always kept a running diary.
“Although I took a break from running between 1987 and 1994, when life threw other challenges at me, I have been running consistently since 1995 and now my cumulative mileage is fast approaching 24,902 miles.
“Rather than reach this milestone on a solo run, I wanted to share the moment with my many friends at Arrow Valley parkrun, whether they be runners, walkers or volunteers, every one of which has contributed to a wonderfully supportive weekly community event over the past 10 plus years.”
From Winyates Green, Dough is already well known for his running exploits around the world, having had two books published about his adventures.
He has also raised thousands of pounds for charities around the midlands, and is a run leader and mental health champion for England Athletics.
Doug added: “I will be wearing an equator t-shirt during the run and also have a helium ballon attached to me to represent the planet.
“My son is running with me and will also be wearing a ballon.
“I’m looking forward to clocking up the miles! I can’t believe I have run that far.”
