401 Challenge
Ripon Runners were privileged to have multi-marathon runner Ben Smith visit the city on Saturday, as he completed marathon number 257 of his astonishing effort to raise funds for charities. Ben is trying to set a new world record by running 401 marathons in 401 days, an effort that would see him run a total of 10,506 miles. Along the way he is raising money for Stonewall and Kidscape who work to combat bullying in our schools and society.
Ripon Runner Lena Conlin devised a marathon route to show Ben the stunning countryside surrounding Ripon and a well earned lunch stop of the Fountain Abbey café at the half way stage. A final loop saw Ben visit Ripon Minster’s West Front to applause before a final sprint to his awaiting transport. With Ben’s encouragement, many runners ran further than they had before, with some completing all 26.2 miles having only ever ran a few miles before, and the youngest ever finishers since the challenge started in 14 year old Morgan and 13 year old Louisa.
Ben has now raised £91,164 of his £250,000 target. Anyone wishing to sponsor him or support him on the remaining 144 marathon can find details at: www.the401challenge.co.uk