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Richard prepared for this 80th marathon with a gruelling 90 miles per week training regime and a specially adapted Nissan ARIYA.
Nissan worked with Nissan Technical Centre Europe, Luzzo Bespoke Ltd and Össur to transform Richard’s ARIYA into a one-of-a-kind, 100% electric marathon training support vehicle.
On 14th October 2024, at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Nissan Ambassador and double Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead MBE set a new Guinness World Record for a double amputee by finishing the famous 26.2 mile course in an incredible time of 2 hours 41 minutes and 36 seconds, which was a time he set just 6 months ago at the TCS London Marathon.
Richard left no stone unturned in his quest to 'Defy Ordinary' in what would be his 80th marathon, and since he drives a Nissan ARIYA day-to-day, including to and from his training sessions, he naturally questioned if his car could adapt further to support his goal.
Nissan GB turned to the engineers at the Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE), Luzzo bespoke and Össur, provider of Richard's carbon fibre running prosthetics and prosthetics walking legs, to help customise Richard's ARIYA.
Their solution was a combination of clever modifications that still allowed Richard to use the car in everyday transport.
Firstly, Nissan worked with Richard and Luzzo Bespoke to design a bespoke training support module that neatly fits into the boot of Richard’s ARIYA. Using engineering CAD data to ensure a perfect fit, the team created a removable storage system that:
Secondly, Nissan worked with Richard and leading global prosthetics provider Össur to integrate small quick-release magnetic chargers into the ARIYA’s drivers’ seat, so that he can keep the ‘bionic knees’ of his Össur walking prosthetics topped up with energy while he’s driving – a small but useful addition that saves Richard time and reduces his stress levels in everyday life, helping him to focus his full attention on preparing for the Chicago race.
Sarah Dorey from NTCE said: “As Nissan engineers, we’ve loved this challenge of finding ways to support Richard on his epic marathon challenge. We’re continually looking at ways to make our vehicles more inclusive and accessible, so it’s been interesting to consider how we can make life as an amputee easier day-to-day when driving them. Collaborating with Össur’s engineering team in Iceland, we found a simple, easy-to-use solution that meets Richard’s needs as well as all the vital safety criteria. It’s incredible to know that in a small way we’ve helped him set a new Guinness World Record.”
Richard Whitehead said: “It’s an amazing feeling to have set a new Guinness World Record in Chicago, and I’m very thankful to my family and sponsors for their support. My mantra is ‘believe achieve’ and I wanted to show people that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I was confident I could go even faster than in London, but I knew that my preparation had to be perfect, so it’s been fantastic to have Nissan and Össur supporting me on this project. I already love driving my Nissan ARIYA, but when you’re going for a record it’s all about marginal gains and the new adaptations undoubtedly helped me get a little more out of every training session. It’s great to see Nissan continually looking for ways to make its vehicles work better for the disability community.”
*Nissan aims to become a truly sustainable company, driving towards a cleaner, safer and more inclusive world.
Sustainability is at the core of Nissan’s long-term vision, Ambition 2030. Responding to critical environmental, societal and customer needs, this strategy sets out to deliver electrified models and technological innovation in key markets globally, empowering mobility and beyond. Ambition 2030 supports Nissan’s goal which is to be carbon neutral across the life cycle of its products and operations by 2050. The Nissan AMIEO region, with EV36Zero at its centre, is primed to accelerate the shift to an electrified future.
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