INSPIRATIONAL runner Ben Smith set off from the University of Winchester to run a marathon around the city as part of his challenge of a lifetime. He is nearing the end of his world record attempt to run 401 marathons – or 10,506 miles – in 401 days in different locationsaround the UK to raise £250,000 for anti-bullying initiatives run by charities Stonewall and Kidscape.
Before setting off on Day 394 of his challenge, he gave a talk at the university and spoke movingly about his past experiencesof being bullied at school, coming to terms with his sexuality, suffering a mini stroke at the age of just 29 and how, in a bid to get healthy, and discovering a passion for running that led him to launch his challenge on September 1 last year.
The audience included university staff and students, and colleagues from local schools and colleges and other organisations within the Hampshire Pride LGBT Alliance, including Hampshire County Council and the Southern Health NHS. After his talk, Ben set off on marathon number 394 around Winchester with the Winchester and District Athletics Club.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here