Paul Richards ready for the next obstacle

Richards will represent the UK over on the continent after winning the Ram Run in Kenilworth.

The 27-year-old, from Aston, near Wellington, was first home around the seven mile course in Stoneleigh Park.

Obstacle course running sees competitors tackle streams and mud, while climbing ropes and walls as high as 10 feet.

Richards, who runs for the Wrekin Road Runners and Lawley Running Club, will be flying out to Holland in June for the Europeans.

He said: "I qualified for the Europeans after finishing in the top 10 during the Ram Run. I'll have to fund it myself but I'm looking forward to it.

"I have been obstacle racing for a couple of years now and there is a motion going through parliament to get the sport officially recognised.

"I started running by doing local park runs but I have now completed 15 obstacle races, half-marathons and a marathon.

"Last year's Manchester Marathon was the first one I entered and I managed to run it in two hours 49 minutes."

Richards runs three to four times a week as part of his training, covering about 40 miles a week.

He rates himself in the country's top 20 obstacle course runners and also hopes to do well in the UK championships.

"I got attracted to it when I first did a mud run for fun," he said. "I thought to myself I would like to compete to see if I was any good.

"The UK events are held throughout the year and the best qualify for the finals, which last year were held in Essex."

Richards began obstacle running to keep fit but eventually became friends and training partners with Conor Hannock.

Hannock is currently the fourth best obstacle runner in the world and Richards said he helped to improve his own race times.

"The first year I started in 2014 I did a few throughout the year but never really got in the top 10," he said.

"I met Conor at a obstacle race in Derby at the start of last year. He beat me by five minutes over a five-mile route and after coming third and I spoke to him.

"He shook my hand and introduced me to circuit training as well as running plans. Since then I've come on loads and regularly get in the top 10 at most races.

"I've had a few firsts and second places, which have made me train harder, while Conor is now ranked fourth in the world."

Organisers of obstacle course races advise runners to be able to run for 30 to 40 minutes to complete a 5km event.

Competitors are also warned they will get very muddy but can complete each course either as an individual or as part of a team.

Races over 5km or 10km are recommended for beginners between the months of April and October when the weather is a little warmer.

Most events also include water at halfway stages but energy bars and gels are advised every 20 to 30 minutes for runners tackling courses more than 10km.

Richards said he also planned to enter numerous fun runs this year with the aim of raising money for charity.

He even wants to become a record breaker after thinking up some bizarre way of entering the record books.

"To raise money I intend to run in London Marathon, Birmingham half marathon and a few local 10km and obstacle races," he said.

"I also emailed the Guinness Book of World Records to see if my friend Matthew Costello and I can be the fastest to complete a half marathon dressed as the Mario brothers.

"We are still awaiting a response. I use to play football but now I just stick to running and circuit training and in the near future I hope to do a triathlon and start rock climbing.

"I would like to get into personal training and become a run leader for a local running club.

"I won the last Kick Ass Endurance mud run in November at Weston Park and the Shropshire Mud Series, which is run by Ultimate Fitness Experience Shrewsbury.

"I also attend a circuit session at the body barn Newport and hope to raise over £500 this year for Children with Cancer."