Nathan Richardson completes epic 'run around the grounds' charity challenge between all 92 EFL grounds

Date published: 29 June 2021

A former soldier and football fan who set himself an epic running charity challenge between all EFL grounds finished the challenge in his hometown of Rochdale on Saturday (26 June).

Nathan Richardson, 30, completed the 2,500-mile challenge on Saturday, where he was joined by several other runners – including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham – for the last leg between Bury and Rochdale.

He said: “It went brilliantly; we had a great welcome from the club and lots of people came out to run or greet us at the grounds. It took us just over an hour.

“Everyone who took part did really well. Andy Burnham did the full 10k after coming straight from playing football.

“My favourite section was Rochdale, but some other highlights include Port Vale, Spurs and Arsenal. Port Vale gave a good welcome with a tour, Spurs have a really impressive ground with its own brewery and I got to lift the FA cup at Arsenal.”

Nathan, who currently lives in Sale, is thought to be the first person to run to all 92 league grounds in England and Wales, having started his challenge at Old Trafford in March 2020.

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.

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. He was originally inspired by a Burnley fan who ran to every away game, and now plans to write a book about his experiences.

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 has so far raised more than £7,400 for the causes with his feat, but still has a small way to go to reach his target of £9,200 - £100 for each ground.

He also plans to undertake a similar charity epic for next year.

Donations can still be made via Virgin MoneyGiving.