Discover Ben Smith’s extraordinary transformation, a journey from the depths of despair to an unimaginable achievement that redefined what’s possible. Ben’s early life was marked by relentless bullying, mental health battles, and the weight of hiding his true identity. At his lowest, he attempted suicide twice and suffered a mini-stroke at 29, forcing him to confront his life head on. But instead of giving up, Ben chose to rewrite his story.
In 2015, Ben embarked on The 401 Challenge: running 401 marathons in 401 days across the UK, covering over 10,000 miles. His mission? To raise awareness and £330,000 for anti-bullying charities, including Stonewall and Kidscape. Ben’s incredible feat did more than raise funds, it inspired a movement, showing people across the world that, no matter the obstacles, strength and transformation are within reach.
Ben’s journey includes:
*Running 401 marathons in 401 days, raising over £330,000 for anti-bullying causes.
*Reaching and inspiring over 100,000 students through powerful talks.
*Earning prestigious awards, including the BBC Sports Personality Helen Rollason Award and Pride of Britain National Fundraiser of the Year.
Ben’s talks do more than inspire, they create a space for students to explore their own resilience, mental health, and authenticity. He connects deeply with young audiences, motivating them to overcome challenges they face every day. Whether for primary or secondary students, Ben's story opens up conversations on overcoming adversity, staying true to oneself, and achieving seemingly impossible goals.
His unique blend of warmth, honesty, and hard won wisdom encourages students to believe in their potential, no matter where they start. Through his story, Ben empowers students to break free from limitations, confront their fears, and realise their true potential. His talks ignite a desire not just to dream, but to act, because real change begins the moment you step forward.
Secondary School Talks by Ben Smith:
Ben's Secondary School talks are aimed at young people between the ages of 12 and 18. Ben has four different talks, these include:
From Bullying to Breakthrough: Building Resilience in School and Beyond
Ben’s story of overcoming relentless bullying isn’t just about surviving, it’s about thriving. In this powerful session, Ben takes students through his journey from being a victim of bullying to becoming an award-winning endurance athlete. He shares how building emotional resilience and mental toughness were the keys to turning his obstacles into fuel for success. Students will learn practical strategies for coping with adversity, fostering self-belief, and finding their inner strength, inspiring them to face their own challenges head-on and discover new possibilities.
Mental Health Matters: Opening Up the Conversation
In this honest and deeply moving talk, Ben opens up about his personal battles with mental health, including depression and his experiences with suicide attempts*. He encourages students to break the silence and stigma around mental health, emphasising the importance of seeking help and supporting one another. Ben’s story offers a powerful reminder that vulnerability is a strength, and talking about mental health is a vital step toward healing and growth. This session helps students feel more confident in discussing their own struggles and equips them with tools to support their mental well-being.
*aimed appropriately at the age group and discussed in a briefing call before the event.
Courage to Be Authentic: The Power of Self Acceptance
Ben’s journey to embracing his true self, after years of hiding who he really is, inspires students to do the same. This talk explores the challenges many young people face in terms of identity, peer pressure, and fear of judgment. Ben shares how accepting and celebrating who you are can unlock untapped potential and lead to a more fulfilling life. Students leave feeling empowered to embrace their uniqueness, create a more inclusive environment, and live authentically, free from the limitations of societal expectations.
The Marathon Mindset: Achieving Big Goals Step by Step
Ben’s achievement of running 401 marathons in 401 days wasn’t just a physical feat, it was a masterclass in setting and achieving audacious goals. In this inspiring talk, Ben breaks down how he turned an impossible goal into a reality by focusing on consistency, perseverance, and breaking big challenges into manageable steps. Students will leave with a new understanding of goal setting, learning that no dream is too big when approached with the right mindset. Ben’s story motivates students to take on their own challenges, reminding them that success comes by taking that first step.
Primary School Talk and Workshop:
Ben's Primary School Talk is aimed at young people between the ages of 4 and 11:
Find Your Happy Place: Running, Respect, and Resilience!
In this engaging talk, Ben shares his personal journey of overcoming bullying and discovering happiness through running. Using the relatable context of a playground, he illustrates how completing 401 marathons symbolises resilience and strength. Ben encourages children to embrace their unique paths and find joy in their passions, emphasising the importance of respecting one another. His story serves as an inspiring reminder that, no matter the challenges they face, students have the power to transform their struggles into strengths and support each other in creating a positive community.
Workshop:
Ben leads an exciting workshop where he challenges your young people to run a marathon in just 15 minutes! This interactive session is all about boosting their confidence, setting goals, and helping them understand that anything is possible when they work together and believe in themselves.
Bristol
Please enquire for pricing information.
