Ben Smith, who is running 401 marathon on consecutive days, has been given strong backing from the people of Macclesfield, including Member of Parliament, David Rutley, as he started the 133rd leg of his epic challenge.
Ben, 33, from Bristol, began his colossal task on 1st September 2015, and has so far run over 3,400 miles. He is hoping to raise £250,000 during the course of the challenge, in aid of anti-bullying charities, Stonewall and Kidscape.
Macclesfield is one of 309 different locations being used during the challenge, and Ben will return to Macclesfield on 11th April, for marathon number 224. The Macclesfield course is on largely rural terrain to the west of the town, beginning and finishing at Macclesfield Athletics Track.
Once completed, Ben will have run an incredible 10,426 miles – the same distance as from the UK to Eastern Australia. This would create a new world record for the number of consecutive marathons completed.
Speaking at the start of Marathon number 133, David Rutley said, “This is a simply incredible challenge, and it is great that Macclesfield can be part of this world record attempt, both today and in April. I wish Ben every success with his challenge and, just as importantly, with the important work that he is doing to help tackle bullying.”
For more information about the 401 Challenge and how to donate, visit www.the401challenge.co.uk. You can also follow Ben’s progress on Twitter, by following him at @the401challenge, or by using the hashtag #runwithben.