Össur News

20 April 2007

Richard Whitehead on the streets of London, April 22

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Congratulations to Richard Whitehead, who broke his 4-hour goal with a fabulous run of 3:52:58!

The world famous London Marathon takes place in the UK on Sunday 22 April. One man in particular will hopefully be carving out his own slice of history. Richard Whitehead, a new member of Team Ossur, is aiming to complete the challenging 26-mile course in less than four hours! Join us in supporting Richard and his fundraising work for cancer research.

A bi-lateral through-the-knee (congenital) amputee, Richard has only been running since 2004. He is, however, an incredible all-round sportsman who has achieved all manner of things in cricket, swimming and sledge-hockey (see Richard's Team Ossur profile).

It was in the bitter cold of November last year that Richard lined up with the many international runners among the crowds of native New Yorkers and other Americans taking part in the annual New York Marathon. That time, he shaved an amazing one hour and ten minutes off his previous NY time, so the signs are positive for his four-hour attempt on home ground.

"I've been doing 40-50 miles training every week, just like any other athlete" said Richard. "I'm out to prove that even if you have a disability you can do something positive in life. I have just completed the Silverstone half-marathon in one hour and 38 minutes, coming in 683rd out of 9,000 runners."

Support Richard Whitehead's efforts

Our Team Ossur marathon man is raising funds and awareness for Macmillian Cancer Relief as he runs. "This charity does so much good work in all communities all over the UK," said Richard. "So if you can donate any money, please do so on my 'Just Giving' secure web page. You’ll also get to see a semi-naked picture of me training in the States there, so log in and pledge some money please!!"

Flex-Run™ feet by Ossur

Helping Richard to realise his dreams are his Flex-Run™ feet, customised lightweight foot modules especially designed for distance running. Richard only discovered the Flex-Run in 2004. Before then he had made do with cushioned shoes fitted where his prosthetic limbs were normally attached. "I have always wanted to run" he explains, "and now I have the opportunity, there's no stopping me."

The London Marathon

Over 33,000 people crossed the finishing line last year, joining the ranks of the 640,985 runners who have completed the London Marathon since it first took place in 1981. Finishers have raised an estimated £315million in sponsorship for numerous charities over the years.

Overall, this year’s course is flat and fast. It starts in Blackheath, passes the Cutty Sark in Greenwich at 10km on its way to crossing the River Thames at Tower Bridge. The course then loops around the east end of London, past Canary Wharf in Docklands, before heading west again. The course at this point was altered slightly in 2005 to avoid the cobbles by the Tower of London before continuing along the Embankment to Parliament Square, Birdcage Walk and to the final corner in front of Buckingham Palace.

• Read more about Richard’s long road to London, the story of his first marathon (opens in a new window)

• Ossur running feet
• Macmillian Cancer Support (opens in a new window)
• The London Marathon (opens in a new window)

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