AN INSPIRATIONAL fund-raiser who ran 401 marathons in 401 days has lent his support to the latest event on Worcester’s sporting calendar.
Ben Smith undertook the mammoth feat in 2015 and 2016 and returned to the location of one of his runs to check out the route of the inaugural Worcester City Half Marathon, ahead of taking part in the race on Sunday, September 17.
During his 401 marathons, Ben Smith raised more than £315,000 for Kidscape and Stonewall, two charities that tackle bullying in society.
Smith ran a total of 10,506.2 miles and spoke at schools throughout the country about bullying issues.
The fund-raiser ran his 102nd marathon in Worcester and on his return to the city last Thursday (March 23) he thanked runners from local club Black Pear Joggers, who had accompanied and supported him
After meeting the Mayor of Worcester, Coun Paul Denham, Smith joined world champion athlete and Worcester City Half Marathon founder Steve Cram to lead runners on a route around the city streets.
Smith and Cram then took part in the first Start Me Up For Worcester (#SMUFW) session, an project open to runners of all abilities and designed to help people prepare for the 10K or half marathon later in the year.
The session began with a ‘meet and greet’ with Smith and Cram, followed by an easy 5K run.
Places on future #SMUFW sessions are strictly limited and anyone who is interested should apply by sending an e-mail to [email protected].
Ben said: “Coming back to Worcester just over a year since I last ran here for marathon 102 has been great!
“Revisiting the course that I previously ran has brought back incredible memories and I am honoured to be supporting the Worcester City Run events.
“I’m even more excited to be taking part in the first ever Worcester City Half Marathon,” he added.
Steve Cram said: “Ben is a truly inspirational person, who has transformed his own life through running, and then used his experience to do a huge amount of good work for some great causes.
“I’m sure his story will encourage even more people to sign-up to tackle the half or 10K on September 17.”
The Worcester City Run events include the half marathon, the Worcester City 10K and the Young Athletes Run, and are delivered through a partnership between Worcester City Council and Events of the North.
Places on the Worcester City Half Marathon cost £35 for unaffiliated runners (£33 for affiliated).
Visit www.worcestercityrun.com for more information on all of the races and how to sign up.
Log on to www.the401challenge.co.uk to read more about Ben and his 401 challenge.
