Shropshire obstacle racer Paul off to world championships in US
It is a long way from the egg and spoon race at school. Shropshire athlete Paul Richards is a serious obstacle course competitior – and he has set his sights on beating the world's best in America.
Paul, from Aston, near Wellington, has qualified for the World Obstacle Course Racing Championships, which take place in Cincinnati in October.
Entry to the world championships came as a surprise to Paul who works as a foundry operator.
He said: "In July I entered an obstacle race in Manchester and came sixth in that, but I didn't realise that it was also a qualification event for the world championships.
"So I was amazed when a few days after that race I received an email inviting me to take part in the world championships in America.
"I was chuffed to bits and am now working on raising the money to fund the trip to Cincinnati for the event on October 17."
Paul, 27, started entering Kickass endurance and obstacle races a couple of years ago. He enjoys the physical challenge.
He said: "I am quite a sporty person and love to take part in events, whether as an individual or in a team. Obstacle course racing has taken off massively over the past two years and there are now events held every week.
"I am taking part in the Shropshire Mud Run Series, which is organised by The Fitness Experience in Shrewsbury."
One of the most interesting races Paul has competed in is a Welsh event called the 300, where competitors have to dress up as Spartans. In other events he has to crawl under nets, jump into muddy pools and climb fences.
