THE 401 CHALLENGE

On Monday 7th March 2016 at 9.30am, Ben Smith from Bristol, will begin the 189th leg of his 401 Challenge,
and that is to run 401 Marathons in 401 consecutive days, a mammoth and magnificent achievement in itself,
and all in the name of two charities, Kidscape, and Stonewall.
The aim is to raise the sum of £250,000, in support of charities who work
tirelessly to combat child bullying, both in schools, and society in general.
Ben's 189th Marathon is taking place in Morpeth, and aided by a willing group
of volunteer runners from Morpeth Harriers & AC, he will set off from near to the
club's headquarters on Mitford Road, next to the Rugby Club,
and run a course that has been specially designed and organised for him on behalf of the club,
by their appointed Road Race Director Kevin Bray.
The course will take him along Mitford Road, to Mitford Village itself,
then onto the narrow countryside route leading up to Mitford Steads,
past the Village Church, then at the Steads at the top of the Whalton Road,
go straight ahead to Tranwell, round to Glororum, into Clifton,
then it’s back into Morpeth via the Golf Club, the Sun Inn, then into Carlisle Park
via the Joiners Arms, then onto the Stanners at the far end of Carlisle Park.

Ben Smith

To achieve the total Marathon distance, Ben will have to complete no less than three circuits of the course,
with the third circuit being slightly shorter than the first two,
If anyone out there knows the terrain of the area, they would readily agree that this is no mean feat,
and is to be applauded, and if anyone is feeling generous, please try to give him your utmost support.
Full information on the challenge, and about Ben himself,
and how you can support the effort,
can be found on www.the401challenge.co.uk
Why not make Ben's trip to Morpeth, and the surrounding beautiful rural Northumberland most memorable,
by turning out to support him along the way in his incredible adventure.
It is expected that Ben will complete his 189th Challenge around mid afternoon,
near the area of the Stepping Stones, close to the Stanners,
please be there to offer him a winner’s welcome.
On the following day, he will continue his eventful journey in Alnwick,
home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.