Still running Man who ran 401 marathons in 401 days has a new challenge
WHEN Ben Smith set off on September 1 three years ago to run 401 marathons in 401 days, he did not expect the swell of support and reaction he got
More than a year later – with a spine fracture, shattered shins and many broken toe nails – he crossed the finishing line at Millennium Square, cheered on by thousands around the world.
You would think a challenge like that was enough to last a lifetime, but not for Ben Smith.
He has now launched his newest challenge for 2020 – to run 50 marathons across the 50 states of America.
And he won’t fly or drive between his marathons, but aims to cycle across states instead.
The adventure will cover a total of 18,500 miles over 104 days, which means he is averaging around 177 miles a day.
“This has been in the making for a while.
“The charities I will be supporting are close to my heart and will help so many children,” Ben said.
The challenge will aim to raise £1million for two charities – Ben’s own 401 Foundation and the Youth Sport Trust.
The Youth Sport Trust is a charity working to ensure every child has a chance to play and enjoy a sport, while the 401 Foundation provides grants to organisations tackling mental health and self development.
“The 401 marathons took a lot out of me and it took a while to get back to normality,” Ben explained.
“I was quite frank and open about my struggles with mental health afterwards. What I did shook me to the core and it took a good year for me to come to terms with it.
“But it also taught me a lot about mental health and what we can do together. I hope that is what this new challenge will do.”
Thousands of people across the globe ran a virtual marathon with Ben on his last day when he completed his first challenge, helping to raise £250,000 for charities.
It sprung a new idea for the journey through America. People can buy tickets to take part in a virtual challenge, logging their own progress.
It involves running up to 1,310 miles in 365 days, or cycling 17,000 miles in a year.
As part of these challenges, people will be rewarded when they hit certain landmarks.
To take part, go to https://www. the401challenge.co.uk/