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Ben Smith overcame bullying, mental health struggles, and two suicide attempts to run 401 marathons in 401 days, raising £330,000 for anti-bullying causes. His story inspires resilience, authenticity, and transformation.
Discover the extraordinary journey of Ben Smith, a story of resilience, transformation, and redefining what’s possible. Ben’s life wasn’t always one of triumph. Struggling with bullying, mental health challenges, and hiding his sexuality, he faced despair that led to two suicide attempts. At 29, a mini-stroke forced him to confront his life head on. But instead of giving up, Ben chose to change everything, turning his pain into a mission that would inspire and uplift thousands.
Ben didn’t just start running, he redefined what endurance means. In 2015, he embarked on The 401 Challenge: running 401 marathons in 401 days across the UK, covering over 10,000 miles and raising more than £330,000 for anti-bullying charities. The impact went beyond the miles. His story of courage touched the hearts of countless people, showing them how to push past their own limits and find strength in the struggle.
Highlights of Ben’s journey include:
Ben’s talks are more than just presentations, they’re a powerful experience. With warmth, humour, and raw honesty, he dives deep into how overcoming adversity can unlock untapped potential. His message goes beyond resilience; it’s about embracing who you are, facing your fears, and knowing that real change starts with the decision to step forward, no matter how daunting the path ahead seems.
Ben’s unique approach leaves audiences not only inspired but ready to act. His story becomes a mirror, reflecting back the power each person has to transform their own life, shift perspectives, and break down the barriers holding them back. Through engaging storytelling, Ben shows that the limits we place on ourselves are often illusions and that beyond those limits lies our true potential.
Ben’s journey from struggling with his identity and mental health to completing one of the most extraordinary endurance feats ever attempted is a testament to the power of resilience and self-belief. In this talk, Ben takes audiences through his transformation, how he went from hitting rock bottom to running 401 marathons in 401 days across the UK. He shares the highs and lows of his 10,000 mile journey, revealing how embracing vulnerability and stepping outside his comfort zone was the key to unlocking his true potential. This session is a masterclass in overcoming adversity, showing teams that no challenge is insurmountable when you believe in yourself. Attendees leave with a renewed sense of what’s possible, inspired to reimagine their own limits and take bold steps forward.
Finding the courage to live authentically was the hardest and most rewarding journey of Ben’s life. In this talk, he dives deep into his experiences of hiding his true self and the inner battles that nearly cost him his life. Ben discusses how letting go of societal expectations and embracing his real identity transformed not just his own life, but also the lives of those around him. Through personal anecdotes and honest reflections, he challenges audiences to question where they might be holding back and encourages them to break free from the fear of judgment. This talk is perfect for teams and leaders wanting to foster an environment of inclusion and authenticity. By the end, participants feel empowered to step into their true selves and create a culture where others feel safe to do the same.
Every life changing transformation begins with a single decision. In this inspiring talk, Ben shares how pivotal choices have shaped his journey, from overcoming personal struggles to achieving the seemingly impossible. He explores how choosing to take control of his life and run The 401 Challenge not only changed his own path but inspired thousands along the way. Ben highlights the power of everyday decisions, showing how even small choices can redefine what’s possible. This talk encourages teams to take ownership of their actions, recognise their potential, and realise that their choices today can create extraordinary opportunities for the future.
In a world that’s becoming more connected yet more divided, understanding the value of diversity and inclusion is more important than ever. Ben’s story of growing up in a society that marginalised his identity as a gay man offers powerful insights into the importance of acceptance, both self acceptance and that of others. This talk focuses on the challenges he faced in coming to terms with his sexuality, the barriers he overcame, and the importance of fostering environments where everyone feels they belong. Ben illustrates how embracing diversity isn’t just about compliance, it’s about empowering individuals to bring their authentic selves to the table, which leads to stronger teams and more innovative thinking. Teams leave with a deeper understanding of how inclusion creates a powerful culture of trust and creativity, and how embracing each other’s differences can drive success.
Ben’s talk to the students was amazing! You could hear a pin drop in the auditorium and the students found it both thought-provoking and inspirational. There were some really challenging issues raised to help students understand the power of their words and actions. Throughout, the students were mesmerised by the journey that Ben has taken, the obstacles he has faced and ultimately how he has overcome them and learned to deal with his past. We would thoroughly recommend booking Ben to speak at your school as he covers many of the issues young people face today. He is an inspiration to all, and we hope to work together moving forward.
Ben was a huge hit on Friday! The children loved hearing all about his journey and he pitched his talk so appropriately to meet both their age and entertainment requirements. I loved how he got the feel of Yarrells so quickly and adapted his talk to fit our values and ethos. Ben was very personable, moving between seriousness and humour seamlessly; he was easy with the children and just brilliant at managing the ad hoc nature of the questions that came his way. Ben’s message of not letting others and their words define you, but to define yourself in your own words and through your own actions was powerfully conveyed and I know it resonated with everyone in the room, children and adults alike. Ben’s talk was a perfect presentation for our end of year celebrations and prize-giving.
Inspirational Speakers has been providing high profile keynote speakers and entertainers for over 25 years.
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Sporting Champions introduces world class Inspired Athletes for the Schools and the education sector.
