REDDITCH runner Doug Richards has an important few months ahead in his quest to run at least a half marathon on every continent of the planet.

Doug, 69, a regular at Arrow Valley parkrun and a run leader with several local groups, has already ticked off Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Africa from his list of running destinations.

Next month he will be running a half marathon in the Australian outback.

Then, if all goes according to plan, Doug will complete his seven-continent quest when he runs a half marathon in Antarctica in March next year, the year he reaches 70.

“It is an ambition I set myself some years ago,” said Doug, author of the award-winning book Running Hot & Cold which tells the tale of his running journey.

“I am used to climatic extremes having run in the Sahara Desert, Siberia and on the polar ice-cap in Greenland,” he added.

“It is such a privilege to be able to visit and run in parts of our planet that people only usually get to see in books or on their TV screens.”

Doug will be using his runs to raise further money for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Doug-Richards4

To date he has raised more than £2,300 for the charity that helps both young and old and receives no government funding.