Richard Whitehead MBE is not just an athlete—he is a symbol of resilience, determination, and the power of sport to transform lives.
A double through-knee congenital amputee, Whitehead has defied all odds to become a Paralympic gold medalist, multiple world record holder, and an inspirational marathon runner. Awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to athletics, he continues to inspire millions around the world with his achievements on and off the track.
Whitehead made history at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, where he won gold in the T42 200m, setting a new world record. He went on to defend his title at Rio 2016 and has also excelled in long-distance running, becoming the first double amputee to complete a marathon in under three hours. He is also the World Marathon Record Holder for athletes with bilateral knee amputations and is currently the fastest amputee runner in the world.
His commitment extends beyond competition—he is a passionate advocate for inclusion in sports, a motivational speaker, and a dedicated champion and support for people living with disabilities.
In this exclusive interview with SportsAndGulf.ae, Richard Whitehead reflects on his incredible journey, the role of sports in shaping communities, and his thoughts on the Gulf region’s growing commitment to para-athletics.
Can you share your experience of running the Dubai Marathon 2025 and how it felt to complete your 81st marathon?
I had a brilliant time in Dubai in January of this year and really enjoyed taking part in the Dubai Marathon for the first time. This was the first of 20 marathons I’m going to complete around the world in 2025!
The course itself is very flat, and the race starts early so it’s not too hot, although it was pretty warm when I finished, and you get to see some amazing landmarks and parts of Dubai! It was great to meet everyone there, make some new contacts and connect with a new community. I’m looking forward to returning soon!
You’re known for your positive attitude and energy. What’s your approach to maintaining such a mindset, especially during challenging marathons?
I pride myself on having a positive attitude and energy in everything I do, but I have also had a number of challenges in my life…and my 20 marathons in one year will certainly be another one!
I focus not on the challenge, but what I know I’m capable of achieving and the incredible support which I receive. I know the power of seeing someone like me achieve not just one, but 100 marathons can have, and this motivates me, knowing the difference I can make to someone.
Each marathon, in each town, and in each country is so different, I thrive on seeing different cultures, meeting so many different people and connecting with the communities. And knowing the impact I can have, raising awareness of disabilities, and what true inclusion means and the difference this can make, is a huge motivator for me.
What is the nicest thing that someone has ever said to you?
People often seeing me running around my hometown in Nottingham and it’s always so nice to hear that people have spotted me, maybe brightening up their day and helping them believe anything really is possible.
At the charity I founded in 2021, The Richard Whitehead Foundation, we support a number of young people who are amputees. When I spend time with them, knowing that I’ve helped them to realise that they have so much potential to achieve, is the best feeling and leaves me feeling so inspired myself.
Having supported a young person who became an amputee after having sepsis at 3 years of age and is now 8, his parents told me “you’ve been an amazing support to me and my husband, and most importantly to our son who has seen you as an adult with double amputations. The impact this has had on him has shown him that anything is possible, regardless of his disability.” This feels pretty incredible to know the difference I can make to someone’s life.
This feels pretty incredible to know the difference I can make to someone’s life.
What are your goals for 2025, both personally and professionally?
You could say my biggest goal is to complete 20 marathons this year around the world. This number means a great deal to me, as it’s now 20 years since I first ran my first marathon in New York, and by the end of the year I 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 I visit, as well as raising awareness of what it means to be truly inclusive and the difference this makes.
Back at home in the UK, I will soon be launching a brand-new schools project, where my ambition is for all children, regardless of their ability, to feel empowered and able to take part in physical activity at school. I know the difference this makes, both physically and from a wellbeing point of view, and I’m passionate about connecting schools, to share best practice and deliver improvements.
Finally, I am also passionate about improving access to sports prosthetics for amputees, as these are often not available routinely or are fit for purpose. This can become a barrier to people getting involved in sport and benefitting from the many physical, wellbeing and community benefits of taking part in a range of activities.
Overall this year, I would like to have a long lasting and sustainable impact and help people see that anything is possible!
Who is backing your ambitious objective?
I have a fantastic team which is growing, and who all share the same dynamic mindset, energy and mission. I’m blessed to have the support of my family and friends, and also have an amazing social media following who are always such a great support to me and my many challenges. Social media allows me to connect with new audiences around the world and it’s brilliant to be able to utilise technology for these important connections. I work with a number of sponsors and organisations who align with my values and my mission, and I’m very grateful for their support, including Nissan, Bupa, Ossur and Maurten.
Out of the 20 marathons you’re running this year, which location is your favourite and why?
Every one of the marathons I will take part in around the world this year is special and has a different connection and meaning for me.
I think I would say however, that the New York Marathon in November will be my favourite, as this will be my 20th this year and also my 100th overall. It is also the very first marathon I took part in over 20 years ago and so is extremely special to me.
Of course, a mention goes to my home event, the London Marathon, which is always a fantastic and fulfilling event!
Are you planning to come to the Middle East more and spread your positive energy?
Absolutely! I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Dubai in early January and taking part in the marathon there for the first time. It was great to meet so many people and connect with the community, and I would love to return soon, meet more people and raise awareness of true and sustainable inclusion and diversity.
I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Dubai in early January and taking part in the marathon there for the first time
Can you tell us more about your foundation?
I set The Richard Whitehead Foundation up in 2021 and am now the president. Our mission for the charity is to enable the ambitions of people living with disabilities, through the power of sport and physical activities, all across the UK.
We know the barriers that people who live with disabilities face each and every day and when trying to access sport, and we want to remove these barriers and improve lives through the power of physical activity. The individual is always at the centre of the Foundation’s work, and we provide life changing support, mentoring, advice, equipment and opportunities.
I’m incredibly proud of the transformative work we do and the difference we make to the people the charity supports, and work with brilliant supporters who help to enable this to happen.
Check out the Richard Whitehead Foundation website to find out how you can get involved, whether that’s becoming one of our Support Runners, raising awareness of our mission, or fundraising for the Foundation and helping to change lives.
On a lighter note, if you could run a marathon with any three people (living or dead), who would they be and why?
Great question! I think I would say Terry Fox, Forrest Gump and Pele!
Terry Fox is a Canadian athlete and had one of his legs amputated due to cancer. After this, he embarked on an epic cross Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research, and as a young person with a double amputation, he was one of the first people to inspire me to start running and become an athlete.
I chose Forrest Gump as it’s just a brilliant film and fictional character, who famously said he “just felt like running” and Pele, as he was an incredible footballer and athlete (and I’m a huge football fan!)
(C) sports&gulf.ae 2025 / cover photo credit: David Baird
