Running News Daily

401 Marathons, 401 Days – How Ben Smith Ran Through Pain and Found Purpose

In 2015, British runner Ben Smith laced up his shoes with a goal so staggering it bordered on unthinkable: run 401 marathons in 401 consecutive days.

He wasn’t a professional athlete. He had no major sponsors, no elite coaching, and no big corporate backing. But what he did have was a powerful reason.

Ben had been bullied as a child, battled depression, and even survived a suicide attempt. Running became more than a hobby—it became therapy. Every step he took was a step away from the darkness that once defined him.

Through injuries, illness, and unrelenting weather, Ben pressed on. The only time he paused was under doctor’s orders—and even then, he made up the missed marathons later to stay true to his mission. By the time he crossed his final finish line, he had run over 10,500 miles, burned through more than 20 pairs of shoes, and raised over £330,000 ($412,500US) for anti-bullying charities.

His challenge captured the hearts of thousands. Ben’s story proved that you don’t need to be elite to do something extraordinary—you just need to keep showing up.

This powerful image (first image) captures Ben during the height of his challenge—sweat-soaked, mentally drained, yet still smiling. It became an iconic photo from his journey, representing not just the miles he ran, but the resilience it took to keep moving forward every single day.

Following his monumental feat, Ben founded The 401 Foundation, a charity that supports mental health and self-esteem projects across the UK. He also became a sought-after motivational speaker, spreading the message that strength is built through struggle. His book, 401: The Man Who Ran 401 Marathons in 401 Days and Changed His Life Forever, dives deep into the why behind the run.

Ben Smith didn’t set out to break records. He set out to heal—and in doing so, he helped thousands find hope through running.