Anti-bullying campaigner Ben Smith completed his 179th consecutive marathon in Newton Aycliffe today.
And the 33-year-old says he was inspired by Aycliffe Running Club, who supported him on his 26-mile run around the town.
Ben, from Bristol, is aiming to raise £250,000 from his World Record attempt by running 401 consecutive marathons at different locations across the UK.
He started the challenge in September and has now completed 179 marathons, covering 4,690 miles.
Ben travels the country with his father in a motor home, moving from town to town, contacting local running clubs to organise routes.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s the toughest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life!” Ben told Aycliffe Today.
“But every day is different. We’re working with over 250 running clubs, including here in Newton Aycliffe with the local running club, and they’ve been fantastic.
“It’s really nice to meet new people. We had about 21 people came out to support us, on a working day, people taking their days off work, so that really inspires me when I see the impact this project is having on people.”
Ben also explained the sentimental reasons behind his gruelling challenge.
“I’d been bullied for eight years of my life at school,” he said in our Video Interview.
“It destroyed my confidence and self-esteem, to the degree that I tried to take my own life when I was 18.
“Running is a way of me being able to express myself and ever since I’ve gone from strength to strength.
“I wanted to raise £250,000 for two charities that I’m very passionate about.”
You can find out more about Ben’s challenge here.
And you can make a donation by clicking here.