Ben Smith

Ben Smith, Founder of the 401 Foundation, is a social entrepreneur, award-winning global adventurer, fundraiser, author, and inspirational speaker. His journey from attempting suicide twice to running 401 marathons in 401 days is both harrowing and awe-inspiring. Ben’s life story is marked by resilience and transformation, challenging everyone to find a part of his narrative that doesn’t resonate deeply.

As a speaker, Ben is remarkably open and honest, sharing a story of genuine courage and determination. His experiences have inspired over 150,000 people and driven cultural change in some of the world’s largest organisations. Ben’s childhood was marred by bullying, which severely impacted his confidence and self-esteem. At 13, he discovered he was gay but concealed this out of fear. By 21, he had attempted suicide twice, feeling there was no way out. Despite outward success in his twenties, a transient ischaemic attack at 29 forced him to confront his reality. Weighing nearly 18 stone, smoking heavily, and working excessively in a job he disliked, Ben decided to embrace his true self, initiating a profound personal transformation.

Sport, particularly running, became a crucial outlet for Ben. Initially resistant to physical activity due to a lack of confidence, he joined a local running club at 30, which provided him with focus and a way to manage his mental wellbeing. In 2014, after coming to terms with his past, he launched the 401 Challenge, setting a goal to run 401 marathons in 401 days across the UK. His mission was to raise £250,000 for two anti-bullying charities, ensuring young people wouldn’t endure the hardships he faced. Selling his house and embarking on this journey in a campervan, Ben’s challenge began on 1st September 2015, eventually raising over £330,000 and inspiring countless individuals worldwide. In 2016, he won the BBC Sports Personality Helen Rollason Award & the Pride of Britain National Regional Fundraiser of Year Award.

The success of the 401 Challenge led to the establishment of The 401 Foundation in 2017, aiming to improve mental wellbeing across UK communities. Ben’s dedication to mental health, resilience, and wellbeing continues to impact lives positively. His future projects, including another record-breaking challenge and developing a mental health support app, promise further significant contributions. Ben is the Author of “401: The Man Who Ran 401 Marathons in 401 Days and Changed His Life”, published in 2018.

Ben’s keynote speeches cover a broad spectrum of topics, from mental resilience and leadership to diversity and inclusion. His ability to turn his life story into a message of hope and possibility makes him an exceptional speaker for any event, whether a conference, meeting, or as an after-dinner speaker. Ben’s inspiring and emotional narrative encourages audiences to embrace change and believe in the possibility of overcoming life’s challenges.