Richard Spooner
Brathay 10in10 Athlete
My name is Richard Spooner, and I live in Barnsley in South Yorkshire. I’m a long-standing club runner and have been involved in the sport for almost 20 years, taking part in events from the mile to the marathon and beyond. Running has become a big part of my life, not only as a personal challenge but also through my involvement with Barnsley Harriers, where I’m proud to be Club Secretary. The running community has given me so much – friendship, resilience, motivation, and I’m always keen to use that network and energy to support something bigger.
Taking on the Brathay 10in10 is a huge personal commitment, but this year it has an even deeper meaning for me. I’ll be running in memory of David Howes, who would have loved to have completed the 10in10 himself. I was fortunate to run Brathay’s Windermere Marathon with him twice, and in 2027 I’ll be carrying those memories with me every step of the way. Ten marathons in ten days around Windermere is the kind of challenge that demands discipline, determination and a strong reason to keep going when things get difficult. For me, remembering David will give me that purpose.
I’m proud of the running milestones I’ve achieved so far, from nearly two decades of consistent club running to taking on a wide range of events over different distances. These include a marathon PB of 2:38 at the Berlin Marathon in 2019. I’ve always enjoyed the variety and challenge the sport offers, whether lining up for a mile race, testing myself over the marathon, or pushing beyond it. One of the highlights has been sharing those experiences with others, including the times I ran the course alongside David. Running can bring people together in a powerful way, through club events, shared training runs, race days, friendship and encouragement. Those experiences have taught me that progress is rarely about one big moment; rather, it is about showing up, staying committed and supporting the people around you. I get as much satisfaction from supporting and seeing others succeed as I do from my own running achievements.
Raising money for young people matters to me because every young person deserves the chance to feel supported, encouraged and able to realise their potential. Organisations like Brathay Trust help create opportunities, build confidence and provide guidance at important points in young people’s lives.
If taking on this challenge can play even a small part in helping that work continue, while honouring David’s memory in a way that feels true to him, then every early morning run, every difficult training session and every mile around Windermere will be worth it.
Experience
- 2010 Thunder Run 24 Hour
- 2015 Silverstone Half Marathon (PB. 1:14:56)
- 2018 1 Mile, Scunthorpe (PB. 4:54)
- 2018 20 Miles, Hull (PB. 1:59:05)
- 2019 York 5K (PB. 16:18)
- 2019 5 Miles, Withertnsea (PB. 27:25)
- 2019 Dewsbury 10k (PB. 33:29)
- 2019 10 Miles, Gilbersdyke (PB. 56:57)
- 2019 Berlin Marathon (PB. 2:38:15)