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401
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.
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.
- GenresNonfictionMemoir
240 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2018
16 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Ben Smith
1 bookThere is more than one author with this name
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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 23, 2020
The inspirational story of Ben Smith who did what the title says. Reading this brought a few tears to my eyes, especially over the bullying he endured at school, but more so over the way he developed the strength of mind to deal with the things that were holding him back from becoming his true self, and how his coming out really did change his life. Although it is an autobiography, and a kind of diary of the time he was running the 401 marathons to raise money for anti-bullying charity Kidscape and Stonewall, who also do great work in schools to combat bullying, there are also testimonials from many of the people Ben met and ran with on his way around the UK and his friends and family.
The thing that has stayed with me the most from the book is when Ben speaks of writing down what would really make him happy (having come from quite a dark place). The challenge he set himself with the marathons is part of how he tries to achieve his new, happier life. It might seem like a simple idea (happiness, not 401 marathons!), but with all that's happening at the moment ( I have just gone back to work after COVID furlough), it's something my mind won't let go of.
The thing that has stayed with me the most from the book is when Ben speaks of writing down what would really make him happy (having come from quite a dark place). The challenge he set himself with the marathons is part of how he tries to achieve his new, happier life. It might seem like a simple idea (happiness, not 401 marathons!), but with all that's happening at the moment ( I have just gone back to work after COVID furlough), it's something my mind won't let go of.
May 4, 2018
Amazing. Awesome. Inspirational. Gutted that I couldn't run with Ben during his challenge but unfortunately he was taken unwell when he reached Inverurie and then restarted in Inverness missing out Elgin and Forres. Such a lovely bloke.
February 3, 2020
3.5
Fascinating story. Ben's life was truly inspirational and he he seemed like a genuine, may I say, bloke.
I feel bad writing this, but the book did get boring. It was the same thing and the same people doing the same thing over and over again. Not only the 401 marathons but it was always the same people talking.
I believe about 40 pages could have been somehow cut or reduced but other than that, it was a good read.
Fascinating story. Ben's life was truly inspirational and he he seemed like a genuine, may I say, bloke.
I feel bad writing this, but the book did get boring. It was the same thing and the same people doing the same thing over and over again. Not only the 401 marathons but it was always the same people talking.
I believe about 40 pages could have been somehow cut or reduced but other than that, it was a good read.
October 7, 2018
Really great reading for an extraodinary inspiring challenge.
It shows you that if you really fight for it everything it’s possible.
You don’t have to conform listen to your heart and you will find the best path for your life.
I really have enjoy it, highly recommend.
It shows you that if you really fight for it everything it’s possible.
You don’t have to conform listen to your heart and you will find the best path for your life.
I really have enjoy it, highly recommend.
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
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
February 1, 2023
4.5 Stars. This is less about the incredible feat of running 401 consecutive marathons, though that is the catalyst for this narrative, and more about a young man wrestling with the nature of identify, purpose, and the frameworks of society. In sharing his story, Ben Smith is inspiring in his vulnerable self-awareness and reflection, and in the questions he often poses. We need more courageous "average blokes" like him in the world:
“Maybe you do have to be a little unhinged to even consider running 401 marathons in a row, but who says I’m the mad one? Maybe it’s the rest of you. There’s a madness about complaining and whingeing and not doing anything about it, especially when you know you’ve only got one life. And those people who complain and whinge about their own lives are the first to judge anybody trying to live their life differently.”
“You hear it all the time in the corporate world: ‘Find out what makes you happy!’ They’re right when they say that, but hardly anybody does. It takes guts, and so many of us have lost our adventurous spirit, our ability to dream. That’s why far too few people find out what makes them truly happy. We’re all a bit like lemmings, eager to please, following everybody else, so that many of us end up falling off a cliff. The key is taking steps to change your situation.”
“Maybe you do have to be a little unhinged to even consider running 401 marathons in a row, but who says I’m the mad one? Maybe it’s the rest of you. There’s a madness about complaining and whingeing and not doing anything about it, especially when you know you’ve only got one life. And those people who complain and whinge about their own lives are the first to judge anybody trying to live their life differently.”
“You hear it all the time in the corporate world: ‘Find out what makes you happy!’ They’re right when they say that, but hardly anybody does. It takes guts, and so many of us have lost our adventurous spirit, our ability to dream. That’s why far too few people find out what makes them truly happy. We’re all a bit like lemmings, eager to please, following everybody else, so that many of us end up falling off a cliff. The key is taking steps to change your situation.”
June 3, 2024
Well, a different record set for this year…read this book in 2 days… it wasn’t quite 401 marathons in 401 days, but when a book captures your attention, what are you going do? 🤷🏼♂️🤣
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This is the story of Ben Smith, an amazing ambassador for anti-bullying campaigner who used his own story, and his legs, to raise awareness.
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I remember seeing Ben at a local park run, and I couldn’t even fathom doing 401 marathons consecutively. Hell, this was after I’d done one, and couldn’t imagine getting up and doing another the next day! He really was inspiring, but I confess to not having been aware fully of the depth or impact of his story. This open account is his honest and shares the highs and lows of an incredible challenge.
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I’d be lying if I said that there wasn’t a little bit of triggering in what Ben’s story shared…being bullied for being gay, before you even know it yourself is a confusing time. I feel pleased that there are more books like these out there now…perhaps for others that journey might not be so hard…
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Book 14 of 2024 ✅
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#readmorebooks #2024readingchallenge #readingchallenge #bookworm
.
This is the story of Ben Smith, an amazing ambassador for anti-bullying campaigner who used his own story, and his legs, to raise awareness.
.
I remember seeing Ben at a local park run, and I couldn’t even fathom doing 401 marathons consecutively. Hell, this was after I’d done one, and couldn’t imagine getting up and doing another the next day! He really was inspiring, but I confess to not having been aware fully of the depth or impact of his story. This open account is his honest and shares the highs and lows of an incredible challenge.
.
I’d be lying if I said that there wasn’t a little bit of triggering in what Ben’s story shared…being bullied for being gay, before you even know it yourself is a confusing time. I feel pleased that there are more books like these out there now…perhaps for others that journey might not be so hard…
.
Book 14 of 2024 ✅
.
#readmorebooks #2024readingchallenge #readingchallenge #bookworm
March 4, 2020
My wife and I went to a talk that Ben carried out locally about the 401 Challenge, and it was really a great evening. He's a very likable and engaging man, who speaks about the troubles he had growing up with bullying and his sexuality in a very relatable and interesting way.
I bought this book at the talk and to be honest it doesn't add that much more to the story. It was interesting to read a little more about what he went through on a physical and mental level but if you've been to the talk, it's going over familiar ground really. At times in the book, particualy towards the end it feels like it repeats itself a little too much as well for me.
Minor criticism though, he seems a great guy, this was a great challenge and really you're buying the book to support him and the charities that he's running for, so fine by me.
I bought this book at the talk and to be honest it doesn't add that much more to the story. It was interesting to read a little more about what he went through on a physical and mental level but if you've been to the talk, it's going over familiar ground really. At times in the book, particualy towards the end it feels like it repeats itself a little too much as well for me.
Minor criticism though, he seems a great guy, this was a great challenge and really you're buying the book to support him and the charities that he's running for, so fine by me.
April 25, 2023
I think that this is an inspirational book about the story of a man who ran 401 marathons consecutively. Although this hasn't inspired me to run a marathon myself, I found this to be an interesting and inspiring book, as Ben had to persevere through many challenges, such as bullying, in order to reach his goal. I also found the quotes in different sections of the book effective, as they helped me to gain another perspective on the same topic. I would give this book a 4/5 because it conveyed the message that Ben wanted to say pretty well, but sometimes the chronological order of the book is a bit confusing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
A very emotional and inspiring story to read. I picked up this book in the Sports section in my local library along with some other books about running but I think this doesn't really belong to the Sports section. Sure running played a big part in Ben's story but the details of the various runs were the most boring and repetitive part of the book while the best part is this sort of biography and how Ben recovered from a difficult younghood to become the inspiring man he is today. Not a fan of the way the book was written but I think the story is still worth a read anyway.
April 5, 2018
This isn’t just the story of why and how Ben Smith ran 401 marathons in 401 days, it’s a reasoned explanation of how your past doesn’t define you unless you let it, and how your present and future are in your hands. Just find your song.
Reading it brings back all the memories of running with Ben and reinforces my belief that he’s a very special person.
Reading it brings back all the memories of running with Ben and reinforces my belief that he’s a very special person.
June 8, 2018
A truly inspiring story of how and why Ben took on and completed his incredible 401 marathon challenge. Many parts of this resonated with me and I'm certainly glad to have read this and come away with a much better understanding of a very special person - a really an open, honest, humbling and personal account. Highly recommended!
April 20, 2019
Really enjoyed reading this book, a satisfyingly pointless goal executed perfectly with grit and determination.
And nice to hear how he was inspiring other people to run and join for any part of his journey, like a real life Forrest Gump. Shame I didn't hear of him until he'd written the book, or I'd have gone and joined on one of the escapades!
And nice to hear how he was inspiring other people to run and join for any part of his journey, like a real life Forrest Gump. Shame I didn't hear of him until he'd written the book, or I'd have gone and joined on one of the escapades!
August 15, 2022
Ben Smith = a truly inspirational character!
A concise simple story, with real impact. Definitely a page turner especially for the runners out there.
My favourite quote goes along the lines of
“Ordinary people, doing extraordinary things”
I challenge anyone out there to read this and not shed a tear or two!
Happy reading.
A concise simple story, with real impact. Definitely a page turner especially for the runners out there.
My favourite quote goes along the lines of
“Ordinary people, doing extraordinary things”
I challenge anyone out there to read this and not shed a tear or two!
Happy reading.
November 18, 2018
A brilliantly honest account of how a normal bloke did something extraordinary to raise awareness and get people talking and helping. It's easy to see how he touches lives and changes people into better versions of themselves.
November 19, 2018
Run 401 marathons in 401 days is mad and this is a brilliantly written and inspirational account, that avoids going day by day, but gives some really moving insight into why the author took on the challenge and the lives he changed.
May 31, 2019
I loved this one. The story was interesting, the cause a good one and the author really likeable and engaging.
If you like books about people challenging themselves against the odds or books about running - this is definitely worth the look!
If you like books about people challenging themselves against the odds or books about running - this is definitely worth the look!
July 4, 2019
I found this book an amazing, honest and inspiring account of what was an insane challenge. Easy to read with a great message, I think you will enjoy this book whether you like running or not. (I'm a recent convert who still prefers cycling.)
October 31, 2019
Wow!
This novel left me stunned & in complete awe. I will be writing a full review about it, but until then, just know I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Whether you're a runner or not, Ben's story is gripping, emotional, and inspiring.
Favourite book of the autumn!
This novel left me stunned & in complete awe. I will be writing a full review about it, but until then, just know I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Whether you're a runner or not, Ben's story is gripping, emotional, and inspiring.
Favourite book of the autumn!
November 11, 2019
Really well written book on how our body is capable of doing anything we put our mind to. It's always more of a mental game than the physical.
Ben Smith has also been able to use his fight to teach us many more lessons on life.
A truly inspiring work of art.
Ben Smith has also been able to use his fight to teach us many more lessons on life.
A truly inspiring work of art.
April 6, 2020
What a story
What an adventure. A story of people, running, kindness and love. A lovely read. Ben pulls you into his story, with his own viewpoint and the stories of people joining him on his incredible queat
What an adventure. A story of people, running, kindness and love. A lovely read. Ben pulls you into his story, with his own viewpoint and the stories of people joining him on his incredible queat
September 30, 2020
Exceptional tale of human triumph and personal achievements. This is not necessarily the story of everything is alright. Instead it is a very genuine account of all things Ben went through before during and after. Truly inspirational.
March 18, 2021
What an inspiring read!
You know just from reading this book what a genuine person he is! It's amazing how many people have been inspired to start running because of him!
Ben, if you are reading this, then I wish you all the best for the future!
You know just from reading this book what a genuine person he is! It's amazing how many people have been inspired to start running because of him!
Ben, if you are reading this, then I wish you all the best for the future!
May 25, 2025
tämä oli ihastuttavan suoraviivainen ja yksinkertainen tarina. kirjoittajalla on jalat maassa, pää hieman taivaissa. maanläheinen mutta samalla jotenkin hurmaavan sinisilmäinen. vaatii rohkeutta olla sellainen.
April 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and struggled to put it down. It just drew me in. Highly recommend!
August 6, 2018
Inspirational
August 16, 2018
I want to sit and have a drink with Ben, and enjoy a chat with him. Amazing man. Amazing achievements.
August 22, 2018
Whilst this story was inspiring and tear jerking in parks, I must admit I found it a bit much towards the end and didn’t finish it.
January 27, 2019
Inspiring!
February 24, 2019
Moving story, amazing inspirational achievement.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews