Richard Whitehead MBE, Paralympic gold medallist, world-record holder, and Nissan GB’s diversity and inclusion ambassador, crossed the finish line of the TCS New York City Marathon to mark a monumental milestone, the 100th marathon of his extraordinary career.
More than two decades ago, Richard set foot on the streets of New York for his very first marathon, having never run a mile before. That race ignited a passion that would carry him across finish lines around the globe. In January 2025, Richard announced an ambitious new challenge, to complete 20 marathons across the world in a single year. Fittingly, this journey came full circle in New York, the city where it all began.
Reflecting on the achievement, Richard said: “It’s such an incredible feeling to have completed my 100th marathon. I’m proud of the miles I’ve run, but even prouder of the impact my journey has, showing people that with the right support and barriers removed, anything is possible.
“I know the power of visibility, and I’ve seen how someone like me who lives with a very physical disability, can inspire others to believe in their own potential.”
Richard’s feat is unprecedented: no double amputee has ever completed 100 marathons. Already the fastest amputee marathon runner in the world, this latest accomplishment adds another world record to his name.
“I hope everything I do embodies courage and inclusion,” he said. “I want to proudly advocate for people living with disabilities and inspire others to believe that they too can achieve the extraordinary.”
Richard was supported throughout his training with the Ariya NISMO he recently upgraded to, specially adapted by Nissan engineers to be the perfect training vehicle throughout the mammoth challenge he undertook. The modifications include:
- a removable storage system for his Össur running prosthetics.
- a unique hidden swing-out seat to sit on while changing his prosthetics over before and after a session.
- small quick-release magnetic chargers in the drivers’ seat, allowing Richard to keep the ‘bionic knees’ of his Össur walking prosthetics topped up while he drives.
The support vehicle has been with Richard every mile of the journey, helping him make the marginal gains that led not just to his impressive 100-marathon milestone, but also setting the Guinness World Record for a double amputee along the way at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, breaking his own previous record set just six months prior at the TCS London Marathon.
Throughout his career, Richard has used sport as a platform to break down barriers, promote wellbeing, build community, and drive social change. His unwavering energy and optimism continue to motivate people of all ages and abilities.
In recent years, Richard has worked with Nissan to make sport more inclusive as part of the Nissan Possibilities Project. He’s been involved in pioneering initiatives such as the Beneficiaries Project, where Nissan and the Richard Whitehead Foundation have worked together to provide running prosthetics to young amputees.
A story worth telling
His work with the Nissan Possibilities Project has also included the introduction of the Supported Runner Project, launched at the AJ Bell Great North Run in 2023, pairing disabled people with volunteers to increase accessibility at mass running events.
“I see my disability as a resource, not a hindrance,” Richard added. “I want to help others see that they can make a difference, and that everyone has a gift to nurture and a story worth telling.”