AN extreme athlete who took on a challenge to run a record 401 marathons in as many days for charity has completed the last leg of his journey.
Ben Smith, 34, completed the 401 Challenge in Bristol yesterday, ending more than a year of endurance running.
He managed 284 consecutive marathons in 284 days before developing an umbilical hernia in June which forced him to stop for 10 days to recover before resuming and making up the lost mileage.
Mr Smith ran through South Lakeland for part the effort, with his 164th marathon starting at Kendal Leisure Centre in February.
Burning 6,500 calories a day during the feat, Mr Smith covered 10,500 miles during the challenge.
He took on the 401 Challenge with the target of raising £250,000 for two charities – Kidscape and Stonewall – and has so far received almost £160,000 in donations.
For more information visit the401challenge.co.uk.
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