LOCAL runners have less than a week to limber up for a chance to take part in a mammoth world record attempt.
Marathon man Ben Smith is bringing his 401 Challenge to Middlesbrough on Wednesday, February 24 – and he’s looking for company along the way.
He’s nearly half way towards his mind-boggling target of completing 401 marathons on 401 consecutive days, with Wednesday marking the 177th leg of his epic quest.
Ben has been on the road around the UK since September 1 last year, with a route taking him to more than 300 different locations and covering more than 10,500 miles in all.
And there’s not just a world record up for grabs – he’s also raising awareness of the issue of bullying and hoping to raise £250,000 for two charities dedicated to tackling the problem, Stonewall and Kidscape.
Ben is expected to start from Middlesbrough Town Hall at around 9.30am, before visiting local landmarks including the Riverside Stadium, Temenos, the Tees Transporter Bridge and Teesside University.
He’ll be running at a steady 11- to 12-minute-mile pace so runners of all abilities will be able join in – meet at the Town Hall at 9.15am for a 9.30am start, and stops are planned after around 10 miles at the Habinteg Centre in Hemlington and then at around 19/20 miles at Henry’s café in Stewart Park.
Organisers also hope to work with local schools and businesses along the route to spread his anti-bullying message.
Local Swift-tees and NYMAC runner Iona Leigh-Jones helped devise Ben’s Middlesbrough route, and hopes local runners will turn out in force to encourage him for some or all of his local leg.
She said: “Middlesbrough’s got a great running community, with clubs and events to suit all ages and abilities.
“I know lots of runners will appreciate just how big a challenge Ben is taking on, and we’re hoping for a good turn-out on the day.
“All are welcome to join in for as much or as little of the day’s route as they like – it’s a chance to take part in something really special, and raise funds for a very good cause at the same time.”
To find out more about Ben Smith’s 401 Challenge, visit the401challenge.co.uk or follow his progress via Facebook.
Details of his proposed Middlesbrough route can be found here: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/969197727
Local runners hoping to join the run are asked to contact Iona at ilaleigh@hotmail.com