Race Dates

Antarctica (January 21st, 2002)

South Pole Marathon: Antarctica is the highest, coldest, driest, most windswept place on earth - truly the last frontier. The first ever marathon to the geographic South Pole took place on January 21st when athletes ran at an effective altitude of 12,000 feet, in wind chill temperatures of -50C, against a freezing headwind. Richard won the marathon race and ran a further 3km on top of the traditional marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42km) to complete an ultramarathon of 45km in total.

Arctic Ocean (April 5th, 2002)

North Pole Marathon: The North Pole is not situated on a continent, but in the Arctic Ocean. However, Richard decided to add a North Pole marathon to his 'Seven Continents' itinerary to become the first person in history to complete a marathon at both Poles. Running on thin ice above 12,000 feet of Arctic Ocean, he successfully completed his solo attempt in 3 hours 48 minutes in winds of 60km per hour and wind chill temperatures of -60 degrees.

Australia / Oceania (June 15th, 2002)

Poor Man's Comrades Run: Capturing the spirit of Australia, this 54 mile (87km) race advertises "No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps!". A low key event, it was run on an uphill route from the steps of the Sydney Opera House and along the old Pacific Highway to Gosford Railway Station. Richard and Australian ultramarathon runner Kieron Thompson finished together in first place in a time of 8 hours 49 minutes.

South America (August 8th, 2002)

Inca Trail Marathon: This high altitude race in the Andes Mountains of South America covers 27.5 miles (44km) through cloud forests and over high mountain passes on the ancient highway of the Incas. Athletes ran to an altitude of 14,000 feet before descending into the legendary lost city in the clouds - Machu Picchu - one of the world's most spectacular ruins. Richard won the event in 5 hours 50 minutes on a course that normally takes three full days to trek.

North America (September 14th, 2002)

USA National 24-Hour Championship: This 24-Hour race in Sylvania, Ohio, USA takes place on a flat 1.1-mile circuit. In choosing this event, Richard hoped to make a successful attempt at the Irish 100k and / or 100-mile records of 7:51:42 and 16:35:57, respectively. However, unseasonably high temperatures coupled with oppressive humidity in the mid-90s stifled any realistic record efforts. Despite being in the leading group throughout the race and covering the first 50 miles in 8 hours, Richard decided to bag a distance of 70 miles and call it a day, saving some energy for the remaining events that require set distances to be completed.

Asia (October 27th - October 31st, 2002)

Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race: This five-stage race traverses isolated jungle and pine forests, crosses major rivers, and passes through small settlements and villages in India. The race begins at 5,000 feet above sea level and on the first stage there is an altitude gain of 7,000 feet. Richard won the overall event in 18 hours 48 minutes, winning all five stages en route, including the Everest Challenge Marathon event that is held on Stage 3.

Africa (November 17th - November 20th, 2002)

Trans 333: This amazingly arduous race covers 208 miles (333km) in one stage through the Sahara Desert of Tunisia - the equivalent of eight back-to-back marathons. It is the longest desert race in the world, and, as a non-stop race the event breaks new ground in testing the limits of human endurance. Despite suffering from severe blistering and acute tendonitis, Richard managed to complete the event in 12th position, albeit in a lot of pain. It was quite an adventure for Richard, who ran off course to Alegeria, was confronted by a pack of roaming wild dogs, and suffered hypothermic symptoms on his second night in the desert.

Europe (December 14th, 2002)

Killimor to Cuba*: This 35 mile, or 56km run, began near the animal sanctuary in Killimor, Co. Galway and finished at Cuba* bar in Galway City, Ireland. Richard was accompanied along the route by a fantastic group of supporters who each raised 1,000 euros for the charities and then ran a mile or more each along the course. It was a festive and fun occasion throughout and Richard finished his final ultra marathon outside Cuba* after 5 hours and 14 minutes.