Story by Richard Whitehead MBE
We asked Richard Whitehead a few questions – because he’s not just any runner. He’s a Paralympic medalist, a marathoner, and above all, a person who uplifts and supports others every step of the way.
Every run is a story, and we all experience running in our own unique way.
So this time, let’s dive into Richard’s story.
What does running make you feel?
Running is a great opportunity to be creative and expressive through sports, and it’s something I always wanted to do as a youngster but never had the opportunity to because the technology wasn’t available. For me it’s really important to put myself into situations which challenge me, and running definitely does that, whether that’s running long or short distances, it’s always about me against me, not necessarily me against the environment or the time I run in. I’ve worked really hard on my running from day one, from running my first marathon in 2004 and now I’m about to run my 86th marathon! Everyone should have their own goals and aspirations and celebrate those successes, as we continue the journey to be better through running.
How do you experience a marathon – not just physically, but emotionally?
26.2 miles is an emotional rollercoaster! You start with maybe apprehension and nerves, for me it’s excitement. I’m excited to run a marathon so I have to really lock into pace quickly and understand the elements and environment can change, which means I have to be dynamic and alter my strategy along the way. I try my best to prepare as much as I can before each marathon, but it doesn’t always go to plan, but I train as hard as I can to hopefully get to the start line and run my best race, and achieve the result I want, which might not be the time, it might be the feelings and emotions I want from that race.
As a person with a visible disability, people interact with me along the course and I get a lot of support, especially in my home marathon in London. It can be emotionally overwhelming and also when I have challenges on the course, like in Rome when the cobbles were very slippery, emotionally and spiritually you have to really dial into the process of getting to the finish and understand you have to get to the finish in one piece. Sometimes you can’t run as fast as you hoped, it’s about survival and that was definitely the case for me in Rome. Emotionally I get a lot of support, when I run with pacers and support runners, they might have run the race a number of times, but you’ll have more support with me. Everyone who’s ran with me gets a fabulous amount of support, this really does empower you to give your best time, and I’m honoured to be able to give not only the crowd those experiences, but also those who run with me.
What goes through your mind – the highs, the struggles, the moments that push him forward, and the doubts that try to slow you down?
Highs are when you feel like you’re flying, ticking off the miles and training has gone well, your body is in tune to running fast and hard, emptying the tank and giving your all. The lows are when things might not be going so well, your nutrition might not have worked so well, energy levels are low, your sodium levels might be low, or hydration poor. Luckily I’ve had so many great opportunities and when those lows come along, I dial back into those and know this is all a process. My good friend Simon died from sarcoma in 2005, and he’s someone who shines a light over me as a person and athlete and always holds me accountable for everything I do. I always remember him and the effect he and his whole family had on me. Early in my running career, I was getting into running with the help of his support and guidance, and how he was negating the challenges of cancer and terminal illness, I’ve kept with me over the last 20 years. I think he really is my guardian angel who empowers me when the chips are down, maybe I break something, don’t feel well, or feel I’m unable to continue, he’s the person who always empowers me.
What’s it like to run alongside others, to share that journey with the people around you?
I think that’s what all marathon runners do, you don’t need to share the same language or communication to share that journey. A lot of people who follow me on social media might not know my story until they google me, or only know me from track running, and understand that I’m world class and the best ever leg amputee runner to ever set foot on the road. They don’t realise that and when they know I hold world records in multiple distances, it’s not about those time it’s about how you can really empower people. I like that sometimes people see my disability and if they’re having a tough time, I’m able to empower them to be better, instead of them looking at me thinking I’m less of a person than them and they’re going to beat me over the marathon line, but that rarely happens! It’s fantastic to be able to run in so many marathons, but marathons are still not inclusive, there are challenges and blockers and the reason why I’m doing all these marathons is to educate on what those challenges are and educate the wider world.
Is there a particular moment or story from a race that has really stayed with you?
There are so many to talk through! My first marathon in New York in 2004 was life changing for me, with supported guides to run with me and empower me on my journey. Achilles track and field club helped me on that process and that’s really moulded me around the importance of support and volunteering in the running sector. Another is Comrades, which is a gruelling 56 mile race in incredibly hot conditions, and the ability to be able to push through some of those challenges when the chips are down and your body can’t move, you really have to dig deep and it’s about putting one foot in front of another. It’s not about doing it as fast as you can, it’s about doing it consistently, and when I talk to athletes about what’s the golden nugget of success, it’s consistency – consistency of training, consistency of mindset, consistency of everything, which really does add to a successful runner. It doesn’t necessarily need to be gold medallists or world champions, it can be you achieving your own gold medal moments.
Another moment is the London Marathon in 2013, the year after the Paralympics, that was the first time that I ran in gold blades, and I was the first amputee runner to ever wrap or colour their blades in 2013, and so many other amputees have copied me since! I did that because I wanted to share those golden moments with the people of London and I got so much support, it was deafening! I’ll always remember that 2013 marathon because it was a celebration of what I did the year before winning the gold medal in 200m.
And last but not least, either of my world record marathons, whether that’s my first time breaking the 3 hour mark in Rome in 2008, or multiple world records in Chicago, where my last one was 2:41 in 2024. I feel like I have lots more to offer the world of running and really showcase that anything is possible, whatever age. And breaking world records at 48 years old, really does showcase that anything is possible!
Thank you Richard!!!