Backward runner seeking Guinness nod for feat

To some people, running 13 miles in any circumstances is a daunting task. Doing it in reverse, however, is down right absurd.

But after competing in many races over his lifetime, Canadian-born Richard Strasbourg was looking in a different direction – backward.

When the Chackbay Elementary School French teacher takes to E.D. White’s track for his afternoon run he’s easy to spot. He’s the one runner traveling the track in reverse – literally.

“I did a lot of forward running, but this helps me stay in shape in a different way,” Strasbourg said. “It keeps me working hard. I have to concentrate and focus when there are other people around. It keeps me on my toes – literally.”

On Dec. 20, the 38-year-old will attempt to make history by etching his name in the Guinness Book of World Records during the 13.1-mile Ole Man River Half-Marathon in New Orleans.

It’ll be the first time a male has attempted such a feat, Strasbourg noted, saying that he’s done research and found no official claim.

“There was a woman who got in for running a half- marathon backward and a Chinese man who ran backward, but not for a half-marathon,” the Montreal native noted. “This is the first attempt for a male at this.”

The artist, photographer and illustrator submitted his claim to Guinness, received his packet, ensuring his upcoming attempt will be official.

Since Guinness representatives will not actually observe the record-book effort, Strasbourg must have someone film and photograph the entire run.

The minute he leaves the starting line he cannot turn his body forward under any circumstance. The only part of his body allowed to turn during the race is his head.

Even when he downs a cup of water for relief, Strasbourg must guzzle facing backward.

“To have the confidence to go backward takes practice,” he admitted. “You need your balance. It’s physically different; it’s almost cross training from forward running. Backward, I’m on my toes the whole time so it’s [using] different muscles and you can’t lean forward like some forward runners do when they start getting tired.”

Two witnesses must also fill out an abundance of forms once he completes the race.

The event is held in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, who is using Strasbourg’s attempt as its main attraction.

His goal is to raise $1,000. So far, he’s reached $431.20.

Strasbourg chose the event because he has an uncle who has fought cancer multiple times.

“It hits close to home,” he said. “I found my inspiration there. I wanted to do something for him and the cause. It’s another way to motivate myself that I found. And if I raise a little bit of money, it’s better than nothing.”

Understandably, Strasbourg said he sometimes gets double takes when he begins running but for the most part he has been surprised by the support he’s received.

“Everyone has been very nice both here and in Canada,” he explained. “Some people even clapped. I was surprised. When I first started [running for the weekend], I was expecting strong reactions. Not the kind of reactions I would want, either. People have just smiled and encouraged me. I need that sometimes when I get to 9, 10, 11 or 12 miles I need that smile or thumbs up.”

To prepare for the 13.1-mile trek around the Big Easy, Strasbourg has trained for over a year.

He began in the summer of 2008 starting off with 1 mile, then gradually working his way up to 13.

His goal is to finish between 2 hours, 15 minutes and 2 hours, 30 minutes.

He is currently averaging 2 hours, 45 minutes.

However, barring a bad weather day on Dec. 20, Strasbourg said, he’ll take as long as he needs since there is no official record.

“If something goes wrong or if the weather doesn’t cooperate, it might take me longer,” he admitted. “As far as I know, I just have to go from start to finish and prove that I did it.”

With 14 years of running under his belt, Strasbourg knows he has the agility and determination to accomplish his goal.

He’s been a member of various running clubs throughout the area and has participated in countless races.

As a teacher dealing with grade-school students, he hopes he can be an inspiration for them.

“This is proof they can do anything they put their mind to,” he said.

“See something you want and work toward it.”

Canadian-born Richard Strasbourg can be seen running around E.D. White’s track in reverse three days a week. The 38-year-old is attempting to get his name in the Guinness Book of World Records. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER