Once Around the Planet: Running 24,902 Miles

by Doug Richards

After realising his dream of running at least a half marathon on all seven continents before his 70th birthday, Doug Richards travels to new remote locations to up his lifetime total to 24,902 miles, the equivalent of the circumference of the Earth's equator. Having discovered running late in life, Doug's journey took him from an initial one-mile run to completing long races across deserts, mountains, jungles, snow and ice. In Once Around the Planet, he shares his latest adventures, contending with a pandemic and recurring anxiety as he returns to the marathon distance in Venice, runs among ancient Moai statues on Easter Island, across volcanic rim trails and hot springs in the Azores, lava formations in the Akamas peninsula of Cyprus and ventures into the mysterious confines of the Bermuda Triangle. More than just a book for runners, Once Around the Planet gives candid insight into Doug's battles with anxiety and depression, the inevitable decline in performance as he enters his 70s and the key role running can play in good mental health.

256 pages, Paperback

Published June 19, 2023

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiring book! I only hope I am still running half marathons at the age of 75.

Doug Richard’s book is an absolute joy, which takes you on various adventures around the world with him as he aims to complete the equivalent lifetime distance to the length of the equator.

Doug is such an honest writer, and is very open about just how impactful his anxiety can be on his life and his running.

I haven’t read his previous books yet and although you don’t need to have read them to enjoy this particular one, I will definitely seek them out now to read about more of Doug’s adventures.

Thank you to Doug for arranging a preview copy from
his publishers of Once Around The Planet for me to read. I had the pleasure of interviewing Doug all about his book and some of his other adventures in the ukrunchat podcast in June 2023 - www.ukrunchat.podbean.com

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd running book by Doug Richards. His books take you on a journey around the world. But his story is more than just his running accomplishments--of which, there are many! Doug is open and honest about his physical and mental health issues as he goes about tackling his ambitious goals. An extremely entertaining and inspiring read...and I'm not just saying that because I make an appearance in this book!