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401: The Man who Ran 401 Marathons in 401 Days and Changed his Life Forever Kindle Edition

by Ben Smith (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 321 ratings
See all formats and editions
RUNNING AWARDS 2019 – TOP BOOK

The story of Ben Smith, who decided to run 401 marathons in 401 days. People thought he was mad, until they heard his story, then they began to understand. Having endured years of bullying as a child, Ben tried to take his own life.

In adulthood, Ben struggled to feel content with the life that was mapped out for him. But having found his passion in running, Ben sold his possessions, escaped his old life and set off on what seemed like an impossible mission – The 401 Challenge.

During his 10,506.2-mile odyssey criss-crossing the UK, Ben ran in 309 different locations, accompanied by more than 13,500 people. He visited 101 schools, burned an estimated 2.4 million calories, wrecked his back and braved every extreme of the British weather, while raising £330,000 for charity, touching the lives of millions.

This is the inspiring journey of a previously lost and broken man who discovered that anything is possible, if only you choose to search for what makes you truly happy.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    249 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Bloomsbury Sport
  5. Publication date
    April 5, 2018
  6. File size
    4004 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Takes you through Ben's 401 marathons from start to finish, with evoking pictures, excerpts and comments from some of Ben's supporters, runners, friends and family. You won't be able to put this book down.” ―Outdoor Fitness, Book of the Month

“Sports Book of the Month. [An] extraordinary tale of how he formulated and then completed an outrageous sporting challenge” ―Bristol Post

“What's remarkable about Ben's story is it isn't just about him. Hearing from the people who've smashed running records, overcoming lifelong fears, and discovering Ben's selfless nature is what really stood out ... So many runners are pressured to break a new time record and “to be the best” – Ben's story questions: what is the best? Isn't being at your happiest the most fundamental thing of all?” ―Fit Pro

About the Author

Ben Smith ran 401 marathons in 401 days to raise money for the charities Stonewall and Kidscape. He has since launched The 401 Foundation, which provides grants to small grassroot organisations and individuals which help young people build confidence, improve self-esteem and tackle mental health and self-development issues.

@the401challenge

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B079VJ9FJN
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bloomsbury Sport; 1st edition (April 5, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 5, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4004 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 249 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 321 ratings

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Ben Smith

Ben Smith

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
321 global ratings
If you're at the beginning, I think you'll find a voice that resonates with you as well.
4 Stars
If you're at the beginning, I think you'll find a voice that resonates with you as well.
4 STARS for 401 by Ben Smith!Ben Smith tells an amazing underdog story with 401. He ran 401 marathons in 401 days. Yeah. Really.A book about turning the troubles and emotional baggage from your past into fuel for good, 401 is a great albeit atypical, coming of age story.I'm currently on a "running book," phase. As a new runner, I can't get my hands on enough documentation about running. Common themes that I read about the lives of runners I see in myself, which reminds me when I'm not running that I have what it takes to run.Ben's story is remarkable. He says over and over that he's just an ordinary guy. But, he is doing extraordinary things and making a difference 1 person, 1 reader, 1 runner at a time. He sold all of his possessions in order to have the money he needed to hit the road. And, all the money he raises goes towards anti-bullying organizations.I loved this book, and it will remain on my shelf as a beacon of hope, light, and encouragement when I need it. If you're at the beginning, I think you'll find a voice that resonates with you as well.Next up, Running Home by Katie Arnold.#401marathons @the401challenge #readandrun #fuel #bringyourinsecurities #antibullying #loveoneanother #sendmebooks #readmore #lovemore #smilemore #everyoneisfightingabattle #encouraged #booklover #bookblogger #bookaholic #bookstagram #begin #youcan #influencer #4stars #bookreview
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Top review from the United States

OakCityBooks
4.0 out of 5 stars If you're at the beginning, I think you'll find a voice that resonates with you as well.
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2020
4 STARS for 401 by Ben Smith!
Ben Smith tells an amazing underdog story with 401. He ran 401 marathons in 401 days. Yeah. Really.
A book about turning the troubles and emotional baggage from your past into fuel for good, 401 is a great albeit atypical, coming of age story.

I'm currently on a "running book," phase. As a new runner, I can't get my hands on enough documentation about running. Common themes that I read about the lives of runners I see in myself, which reminds me when I'm not running that I have what it takes to run.

Ben's story is remarkable. He says over and over that he's just an ordinary guy. But, he is doing extraordinary things and making a difference 1 person, 1 reader, 1 runner at a time. He sold all of his possessions in order to have the money he needed to hit the road. And, all the money he raises goes towards anti-bullying organizations.

I loved this book, and it will remain on my shelf as a beacon of hope, light, and encouragement when I need it. If you're at the beginning, I think you'll find a voice that resonates with you as well.

Next up, Running Home by Katie Arnold.

#401marathons @the401challenge #readandrun #fuel #bringyourinsecurities #antibullying #loveoneanother #sendmebooks #readmore #lovemore #smilemore #everyoneisfightingabattle #encouraged #booklover #bookblogger #bookaholic #bookstagram #begin #youcan #influencer #4stars #bookreview
Customer image
OakCityBooks
4.0 out of 5 stars If you're at the beginning, I think you'll find a voice that resonates with you as well.
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2020
4 STARS for 401 by Ben Smith!
Ben Smith tells an amazing underdog story with 401. He ran 401 marathons in 401 days. Yeah. Really.
A book about turning the troubles and emotional baggage from your past into fuel for good, 401 is a great albeit atypical, coming of age story.

I'm currently on a "running book," phase. As a new runner, I can't get my hands on enough documentation about running. Common themes that I read about the lives of runners I see in myself, which reminds me when I'm not running that I have what it takes to run.

Ben's story is remarkable. He says over and over that he's just an ordinary guy. But, he is doing extraordinary things and making a difference 1 person, 1 reader, 1 runner at a time. He sold all of his possessions in order to have the money he needed to hit the road. And, all the money he raises goes towards anti-bullying organizations.

I loved this book, and it will remain on my shelf as a beacon of hope, light, and encouragement when I need it. If you're at the beginning, I think you'll find a voice that resonates with you as well.

Next up, Running Home by Katie Arnold.

#401marathons @the401challenge #readandrun #fuel #bringyourinsecurities #antibullying #loveoneanother #sendmebooks #readmore #lovemore #smilemore #everyoneisfightingabattle #encouraged #booklover #bookblogger #bookaholic #bookstagram #begin #youcan #influencer #4stars #bookreview
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Top reviews from other countries

Ashish
5.0 out of 5 stars best
Reviewed in India on March 5, 2020
Verified Purchase
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LyzzyBee
5.0 out of 5 stars An extraordinary read about an (extra)ordinary man
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2018
Verified Purchase
After forewords from Steve Cram and Paula Radcliffe, we follow Ben's life, not in strict chronological order. Although I know his story quite well, there were plenty of surprises here, and even if you've seen him speak and run with him there is plenty of new information to make it worth reading.

The story of the 401 runs is of course slightly shortened - we don't get a note about every run or every club, and that's a wise decision for the shape and size of the book. Those of us who ran with Ben know when we did it anyway. This is a blisteringly honest book, with a bit of swearing and a lot of openness (runners are very used to sharing both swearing and openness and this is on the whole a Good Thing, and I hope the rest of the non-running population get that).

The narrative from Ben is interspersed with first notes from his parents and brother, then contributions from people who ran with him, and sometimes their parents. This was lovely, reading about the inspiration he gave them, mental and physical. I loved the acceptance that running - and a marathon - is what you make of it and should be enjoyed.

It was also great to read an update from Kidscape about what they've spent the money on, always a good thing to know.

Little bits I recognised of course brought a big smile. A friend is in one of the photos and our running club is mentioned when he gets to a big awards night!

The book gives a really good portrait of a lovely man who's not a saint, but an ordinary chap doing good for the sake of it, not the glory.

In summary: This is not a book about running. Not really. It's about doing a bit of good in the world and about making sure that you do what you love. It's about overcoming adversity and then giving others a helping hand out of the pit of adversity, too.
8 people found this helpful
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Ryan Chappell
4.0 out of 5 stars I don't normally do reviews....
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 28, 2021
Verified Purchase
I skipped over this book for ages. A bloke running 401 marathons in 401 days? Bloke must be full of himself!
But I'm glad I read it as my first impression couldn't be further from the truth.

The personal stories from those involved were what made this book as they tell the impact Ben has had on them.
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M. D. Thompson
5.0 out of 5 stars It is a fantastic book and i literally could not put it down
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 9, 2018
Verified Purchase
If i could give this book 10 stars out of 5 i would ! It is a fantastic book and i literally could not put it down. The book is a very raw, very honest insite about Ben, his family and his life experiances so far that led him to want to do the 401 challenge. Explaining his reasons honestly and very selflessly. We as a family followed Ben during the challenge and we had the privilidge of joining Ben on some of his routes around Lincon, the children loved joining Ben especially on Christmas Day. WOW what an incredible story of an inspiring young man. This is a MUST read its so powerful and packed with emotion, so get ya tissues at the ready!
Well done Ben we cant wait to hear all about the exciting things the future will bring for you.
4 people found this helpful
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Mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars Make this your next read!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 19, 2018
Verified Purchase
I was thrilled to discover Ben had written a book about the challenge. I met him briefly at the start of the Bournemouth Marathon and followed his journey in the press and media but I was curious to know more! This book fills in all the gaps and answers all the questions. I devoured it in 24 hours and it is easily my best read in a very long while. It details Ben’s life story, accounts from family and friends and the challenge itself. It is a wonderful combination of gritty truths, sadness, humour, joy and over-riding positivity. Everyone can benefit from a bit (or a lot!) from the ‘Ben-effect’ and the more people that read this book the better!
2 people found this helpful
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