A CHARITY fundraiser who is aiming to run 401 marathons in 401 consecutive days completed the Launceston Road Runners’ (LRR) marathon course on Sunday.

Ben Smith, 33, from Portishead near Bristol, is aiming to raise £250,000 for the charities Stonewall and Kidscape and raise awareness of bullying in the UK.

During his trip, he hopes to engage as many people along the way and inspire others to push their limits.

The run around Launceston and surrounding areas was the 27th in his gruelling schedule.

Ben suffered bullying throughout his school life and this resulted in a nervous breakdown, depression and suicide attempts. He started to find inner peace when he came out as gay and found running to be an outlet to express himself and set himself a physical challenge.

The 401 Challenge became a reality after two years of training. Last year, Ben ran 18 marathons to prepare himself for the physical challenges.

In total, he will cover 10,506 miles — equivalent to the distance between London and Sydney — and will run marathon routes across the UK. He is being supported by more than 250 running clubs and more than 200 physical therapists across the country will help keep his body in peak condition.

The LRR’s route went out via the golf course to Egloskerry and beyond, returning via Newmills.

Ben said that the support from the LRR’s was the best so far and really helped him along.

LRR Ann Barriball said: “LRR had a fantastic turn out, 27 members I believe, who all ran with Ben for some or even all of the route.

“In fact some of our members ran longer distances than they ever had before, such was Ben’s inspiration and the atmosphere all the way around the route.

“We are proud to have played a small part in what is a huge challenge!”