Former soldier to run between every league football ground for charity

Date published: 05 March 2020

A former soldier from Rochdale will run thousands of miles across England and Wales between a staggering 92 football clubs.

Starting at Old Trafford on Saturday (7 March), Nathan Richardson, 28, will run to every football league ground in all four divisions to raise money for charity.

Nathan estimates his challenge will take around six months, and see him cover up to 2,500 miles before finishing in his hometown of Rochdale.

Nathan, who now lives in Sale, said: “I was inspired by a Burnley fan who ran to every away game, and wondered if anyone had run to all the clubs. I know that a number of people have visited all 92 grounds but, as far as I know, nobody has run to them all.”

Nathan will run between every ground carrying his kit and a lightweight tent, although he says he has received numerous offers to accommodate him on the way. He will also incorporate the eco-friendly act of ‘plogging’ – picking up any rubbish found on the routes.

The father-of-one took up running in January 2019 when he was struggling with his mental health, going on to run two marathons just a week apart that April in Manchester, and then Paris.

Nathan added: “I was feeling unhealthy and unhappy with my weight and was finding it difficult to cope following the loss of two close family members within a year. I turned to running as an escape.”

Wanting more of a challenge, Nathan turned his attention to combining two things he loves, football and running, to form his epic ‘run around the grounds’ challenge.

All money raised during Nathan’s ambitious challenge will be donated to the mental health charity MIND, and The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity – also known as SuperJosh – which helps support children who have brain tumours or post-surgery disabilities and their families.

Nathan added: “I am also inviting anyone and everyone, who would like to run with me, to join me when I pass through their part of the country. I will also be grateful for any support along the way. 

“I have saved up, left my job and put my life on hold to complete this epic challenge and it will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

“Please help me by showing your support, spreading the word and in making any donations you can to the two worthy causes.”

Nathan is aiming to raise £100 for each ground he visits, for a total of £9,200.

Dawn Fidler, CEO of The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are so proud of Nathan for this amazing challenge. We think he’s bonkers, but it’s incredible that he has chosen to raise money for SuperJosh and help families of those with brain tumours.

“It’s important to add a big thank you to Nathan and his family, especially his mum, Jill, for their work behind the scenes to get him where he currently is.”

“We look forward to supporting him and sending him on his way on Saturday, as well as following his journey, and would like to encourage people to visit his donation page.”

MIND has also been contacted for comment.

To donate, please visit:

• https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=runaroundthegrounds&pageUrl=3