401 cover art

401

The Extraordinary Story of the Man who Ran 401 Marathons in 401 Days and Changed His Life Forever

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401

By: Ben Smith
Narrated by: Jack Hawkins
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About this listen

The inspiring story of Ben Smith – who ran 401 marathons in 401 days with minimal support, to raise money for Stonewall and Kidscape.

On 1 September 2015, Ben Smith set out from Bristol. Over the next 401 days, he would burn an estimated 2.4 million calories; run with almost 10,000 people; inspire almost 600 first-time marathon runners and visit 101 schools. He would also raise in excess of £325,000 for charity. In between, Ben fractured his back; was almost blown away by a hurricane on the Gower Peninsula; kissed his boyfriend Kyle live on TV during the London Marathon; took 10 days off after discovering his spine was collapsing; spent the next 117 days playing catchup. And he wouldn’t have changed a thing.

©2018 Ben Smith (P)2018 Audible, Ltd Entertainment & Celebrities Running & Jogging Sports Celebrity Inspiring

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All stars
Most relevant
A genuine, heartfelt and moving story. I thought it might get boring and repetitive, but it really doesn't.

The amazing story of an amazing man.

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Even if your not into running, everyone should listen to Ben's story. A brilliant book.

Inspirational and emotional

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I saw Ben speak at an event and was really inspired, I’ve recently taken up running and was curious to learn more about Ben’s journey and about how a normal person could transition from couch to ultra running. I think it’s an incredible achievement but the book for me was a tad disappointing. I started to get a little bored come the middle of all the guest chapters with the same message about what a great ‘normal’ compassionate guy Ben is, I don’t think that message needed as much repeated validation. The challenge speaks for itself and it felt a little self indulgent. I would liked to have heard more detail on the stories of those that ran with him and what he saw and heard on each run, the blisters, the struggles. Overall though not wanting to take away from what is a remarkable achievement. Ben is still a top guy in my eyes but the book would’ve benefited from some editing.!

Great achievement but disappointing listen

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Would you listen to 401 again? Why?

Yes. I found the story fascinating

What does Jack Hawkins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I found the way he dramatized the narration a bit irritating

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I relate to how Ben felt and how it feels to claim your life back

Any additional comments?

Would recommend this book to everyone

It's an important topic that need's to be talked about more to get rid of any stigma regarding mental health and bullying.

Hit Very Close To Home

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Ben’s story is an inspirational one. Going from the pit of despair, struggling with demons of bullying and hiding who he really was to being a role model for what determination, honesty and being a decent chap can achieve. Whether or not you’re into running, this is a great story.
The only criticism I have is in the translation of the text into an audiobook, in that when there are passages written by others it would be good to know at the start of those passages who wrote them, rather than at the end.

Inspiring story

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