Gainsborough man conquers epic Atlas Mountain Race after incredible weight loss journey

Richard Hunt, a member of Lucy Lings’ Slimming World group in Gainsborough, successfully finished the gruelling Atlas Mountain Race in Morocco this February, a self-supported challenge covering more than 1,400km and 25,000 metres of elevation through some of the most remote and unforgiving terrain on earth.

Since joining Lucy’s award-winning Slimming World group, Richard has lost an incredible 4 and a half stone, a change that has played a key role in helping him take on such an extreme physical challenge.

This was Richard’s third attempt at the race, and his determination finally paid off.

This year’s event proved particularly brutal, with Morocco experiencing unusually cold weather and flooding.

Riders faced wet, freezing conditions from the very first night, including an unexpected 100km diversion early on.

Richard said: “It set the tone straight away.

“Later in the race we had gale force winds that turned even straightforward sections into a grind, including a five-hour hike over a mountain pass because it simply wasn’t rideable.”

Only 45 per cent of riders completed the race this year, underlining just how tough the conditions were.

Despite crashing on the first night on slippery mud, Richard pushed on with resilience, facing everything from sand crossings and rocky descents to nights sleeping outdoors.

He said: “One night I set my tent next to a cactus and woke to the sound of rain hitting the bivvy.

“Not ideal at the time, but that same rain made the 20km sand crossing the next day much more rideable. That’s the Atlas, it takes something away and then quietly gives something back.”

Rather than focusing on photos or pace, Richard approached this attempt with a different mindset.

He said: “It was all about steady progress. No drama, just riding within myself and keeping things under control.”

Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment, made even more special by the support waiting for him.

Richard said: “Seeing my wife Jenny there was the best part of the whole thing. After two previous attempts, that moment made every hard mile worth it.”

Lucy Lings, who runs the Slimming World group every Thursday at Gainsborough Methodist Church, said the whole group is incredibly proud of Richard’s achievement.

She said: “Richard’s journey is a perfect example of what’s possible with the right support, mindset and belief.

“Losing 4 and a half stone has completely transformed his health and opened the door to opportunities like this.

“He’s achieved something truly incredible. The whole group were behind him, checking his progress online and wishing him luck, we knew he could do it.”

Lucy’s group, held weekly at 4pm, 5:30pm and 7pm, has already seen members lose more than 140 stone so far in 2026, with a strong focus on long-term success, support and real-life achievements.

Lucy said: “Weight loss isn’t just about the number on the scales.

“It’s about gaining confidence, improving fitness and being able to say yes to things you might never have thought possible before. Richard is living proof of that.”

Now safely over the finish line, Richard took time to recover by enjoying some well-earned rest, good food and a proper bed after days spent battling the elements and for Lucy, it’s stories like this that make her work so rewarding.

She said: “When members walk through the door, they might not realise what they’re capable of.

“But with support, encouragement and a plan that fits into real life, amazing things can happen.”