Portishead marathon runner preparing for epic American challenge
Ben Smith has previously run 401 marathons in 401 days
A Portishead marathon runner is set to embark on a superhuman challenge across the USA.
Ben Smith is known for running 401 marathons in 401 days across the UK, raising over ÂŁ330,000 for two anti-bullying charities. His next challenge will see him run a marathon in every state of America and cycle between each one, covering a total distance of 14,000 miles in just 104 days.
On 10th May 2022, Ben will set off to run and cycle across all 50 US States, with the aim of raising ÂŁ500,000 for charity.
The original USA Challenge was set to take place in 2020, but had to be postponed twice due to the ongoing restrictions as well as the financial impact of the pandemic. The expedition will now be a solo project, without a support team as initially planned, unless further financial support can be secured.
Ben Smith said: “I am honestly overjoyed to announce that our plans for The USA Challenge will go ahead, despite all that the last year has thrown at us. I can’t deny it has been a difficult journey and there have been times when I’ve questioned whether it would be possible, but I’ve continued to train and work tirelessly with the team to make sure we can make this a reality and truly have an impact on people’s lives."
The USA Challenge has been devised to raise vital funds for The 401 Foundation – a charity founded by the runner following his original challenge in 2015-16. The national charity provides accessible grants of £100 to £3,000 to community projects that help raise awareness of mental health challenges and promote mental wellbeing.
With 12,690 miles of cycling, 1,310 miles of running and over 1 million calories burnt – this challenge is set to be the ultimate test both physically and mentally, but Ben explained that knowing he will be raising money for his charity will make it all worthwhile.
“Crossing the finish line in Hawaii will be a momentous occasion and the funds it will raise for the charity will be all the sweeter.”
As Ben's training now intensifies, over the coming weeks he will also launch a Virtual Schools Mission to support pupils’ mental wellbeing, particularly after the uncertainty of the last year. Primary and secondary schools across the UK will be invited to register for this inspirational programme, which will see them take on the USA challenge themselves, virtually. Pupils will be tasked with completing the official 14,000-mile route in groups, between September 2021 and July 2022.
With 401 school spaces available on the programme, the Virtual Schools Mission is expected to impact the lives of 750,000 across the UK.
To find out more about the USA Challenge please visit www.theusachallenge.co.uk.