Record breaking paralympian Richard Whitehead, who runs on prosthetic carbon fibre legs, has paid tribute to the the Robin Hood Half Marathon.Richard said: "It brings out the local community and it's a chance for me to give something back to the city that's opened up so many opportunities for me.
He added: "It's a great way to see your city. Running the route you get to see so many of the sights."
Richard is hoping to do the 2010 half marathon in one hour and 18 minutes.
The 34-year-old was born without legs below the knee but his disability has not stopped him from making the most of a sporting life.
Last year, in Rome, he became the first ever leg amputee to break the three-hour barrier for the marathon, with a time of 2:56:45.
Paralympics
He is also hoping to run in the marathon for Team GB at the London 2012 Paralympics and to be in contention for a medal.
Richard will have to compete against athletes with just one limb missing but that does not bother him.
"It's not really a problem," he said, "Because I race against able bodied athletes in racing events like the Robin Hood Half, and still come in the top 1%."
Richard trains around Holme Pierrepont, West Bridgford, St Anns and The Meadows.
He said he still gets quite a bit of interest when he is out and about.
"I get quite a lot of positive remarks. [People] like to keep in touch with how I'm going on with my events. I enjoy that."
Richard will also take part in the Chicago Marathon in October 2010.
The Robin Hood Festival of Running takes place on Sunday, 12 September. There is full coverage on BBC Radio Nottingham, from 9.00am. Listen on 103.8FM, DAB and online.
ShareThis