Paralympics gold medallist in London in 2012 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and world record holder in the marathon category, Richard Whitehead, will participate in the LifeStar Malta Marathon, scheduled for Sunday 23 February.
Born and raised in Nottingham in the United Kingdom, Richard Whitehead MBE is a professional athlete, marathon runner and is passionate about true diversity and inclusion.
Having been born with a double through-knee congenital amputation, Richard developed a passion for sport at an early age, with his parents encouraging him to participate in sports and teaching him how to live a life without limits…a philosophy which has defined his life and those around him.
Richard won Gold at London 2012 in the T42 200 metre category as part of the Paralympics GB team. Richard retained his Gold medal at Rio 2016, also winning Silver in the T42 100m, achieved four World Championship titles in 200m, and in 2019 captained the team at the Dubai Para-Athletic World Championships, and finally achieved silver in the postponed 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, in T61 200m.
Following the euphoria of running over 20 years ago his first marathon in New York, Richard has gone on to compete in many marathons around the world, achieving World Champion and World Record status in the full and half marathon. An achievement he is rightfully incredibly proud of.
March 2024 saw Richard achieve a World Record for athletes with bilateral knee amputations at the TCS London Marathon, and by training and working hard throughout the year, Richard smashed his own record, running the Chicago Marathon in 2:41:36 in October.
Statement by Richard on his participation in the LifeStar Malta Marathon
“Having never visited Malta or taken part in the marathon there, I’m extremely excited to take part in the LifeStar Malta Marathon on 23 February, and for this to be part of my 20 marathon challenge in 2025. This is a really great opportunity for me to communicate with and connect with a new community through the power of running. I’m passionate about promoting not only the physical health benefits of moving and running, but also the mental health and wellness benefits, which are so important. I’m hoping to bring my resourcefulness and experience to the disabled community and people of Malta, and show that regardless of your ability, anything is possible.”
20 Marathons in 2025 Challenge
To celebrate and mark 20 years of being a professional athlete, Richard’s epic challenge is to complete 20 marathons around the world in 2025. This number means a great deal, as it’s now 20 years since Richard first ran his first marathon in New York, and by the end of 2025, Richard will have taken part in 100 marathons in total. But behind the numbers, is an incredibly important goal of connecting with the communities and meeting new people in all of the places he visits, as well as raising awareness of what it means to be truly inclusive and the difference this makes.
Race director Joe Micallef said: “‘We are happy that Richard has chosen the Lifestar Mata Marathon for his challenge. His presence has extraordinary value and is also an incentive for those who have disabilities and want to approach the world of road running”.
