It was a great night at the O2 in London last Friday for Pitch author Doug Richards, whose book Running Hot & Cold won the Silver trophy in the ‘Best Book’ category at the prestigious 2016 Running Awards. The Awards, which celebrate the best in running culture, were decided by public vote with over 90,000 votes recorded.

“I was delighted to have made the shortlist of 12 with my first book,” said Doug, “so to have come away with a trophy was just a fantastic surprise. The overall winner was parkrun’s own book and they are a national phenomenon who have changed the lives of thousands for the better, including my own, and it is a privilege to be ranked alongside them,” he added.

Running Hot & Cold is the story of the Redditch author’s belated introduction to running – it’s hard to believe Doug is 67 – and his subsequent adventures around the world in places as extreme as the Sahara and Gobi Deserts, Siberia and the ice-cap of the Arctic Circle. It also documents how running has helped him through some of the more challenging episodes in his life, including bouts of anxiety and depression, and Doug has recently been appointed as a local Mental Health Ambassador by England Athletics as well as a role as a Run England leader with local running groups.

Pitch Publishing are so pleased with the success of the book, Doug has already been invited to begin work on a sequel.

Click here for more information, or to read a sample from Running Hot & Cold.