The first Richie’s Run was held on Sunday 29th May 2005 as a memorial in honour of Richie Wonnacott, an MOD Police Officer who tragically passed away after a sudden illness in September 2004. Richie was just forty years old, married to his wife Cathy and was father to his two boys Christopher and Stuart. 

He served as a Police Officer at RNAD Coulport, an armaments depot on the banks of Loch Long for 18 years.  Throughout his life Richie was a keen runner who took part in numerous marathons, half marathons and 10k races.  Running was a big part of his life and it was felt by his friends, colleagues and Richie’s family that this memorial would be the most fitting way to celebrate his life.

The Richie Wonnacott All Terrain Challenge or Richie’s Run as it has become known sees the competitors run one of the toughest runs in Scotland. Like Richie it is uncompromising and is absolutely challenging. To give everyone the opportunity to participate, the event incorporates a five mile and nine mile run. 

The event is an out and back run for five mile runners and an essentially circular route for the 9 milers. The race has a charm all of its own and starts and ends at the head of historic Glen Fruin. It goes on to traverses the military training area all the while flanked by the magnificent Arrochar Alps. Around 180 runners of very varying ability take part from across the Defence Community, Police Forces, Athletic Clubs and local runners. The event engenders a real community spirit not only among local people but also those from across Scotland who come to take on the challenge of Richie’s Run.

Each year, the race is started by Cathy, Ritchie’s wife, and their two boys Christopher and Stuart.  Each of the boys is given an air horn and with an enthusiastic blast the runners head off to tackle possibly the hardest run they will ever face.  With marshals in place and water stations manned the runners negotiate the course.

Whilst the runners are out on the course, tea, coffee and refreshments are available for the spectators. This is free of charge and adds the family atmosphere that has become synonymous with Richie‘s Run. 

To the organisers delight and given the nature of the event, in all of the races from 2005 to 2008, there has not been a single injury, not even a blister for the attending St. Andrew’s Ambulance crew to deal with. With spectators lining the finish line the all the exhausted competitors complete their respective races. All the runners have to do is regain their ‘composure’ and enjoy the free refreshments on offer.

Cathy presents the winners with their trophies while the boys present the finishers with their medals as they cross the line.  All the runners and helpers also received a generous goody bag and commemorative tee-shirt to mark the occasion. 

The course is considered to be demanding but enjoyable by all who took part and has certainly offered a unique and challenging event for the Scottish Athletics calendar.  The race has been such a success for a very good reason. It is an event to celebrate running, runners and the camaraderie of friends, family and loved ones. It’s structure and the way it is conducted is unique and the home spun nature is found to be one of its most endearing characteristics. The letters of thanks from competitors make a big difference to the moral of all and this years race will be even better than last years.   

The organising committee would like to thank everyone who helps in whatever capacity but pay particular thanks to those who manned water stations, acted as marshals, time keepers and drivers throughout the day. 

In closing, the event is a particularly poignant and was a touching tribute to Richie. After all, the ethos of the event is about remembering our colleagues, and supporting families and friends.  

On behalf of all the Richie’s Run committee, thanks for clicking onto the website and we would love to see you run the race. 

All the very best and we will look forward to receiving your entry.