A MAN who ran 401 marathons in 401 days to raise money for anti-bullying charities has signed up for the Durham City Run.

Ben Smith, who completed the monumental challenge in 2015 and 2016, has teamed up with race founder Steve Cram for this year’s run around the streets of Durham.

The Sports Personality of the Year award and Pride of Britain winner is also helping to inspire novice runner Hilary Snowdon, from Newcastle, who decided to take part to support the event’s official charity – the If U Care Share Foundation –in memory of her husband.

Mr Smith said: “I cannot wait to come back to Durham and take part in the Prince Bishops Durham City Run.

“Durham holds a special place in my heart after visiting a number of times during The 401 Challenge and meeting some incredibly supportive people who helped us achieve our objectives.

“To come back and have the honour of taking part in this great event is fantastic, especially because it will also highlight and support the amazing work that the If U Care Share Foundation does.”

Mr Smith continues to campaign and help educate young people about a variety of issues, some of which the If U Care Share Foundation also addresses through its work in Durham and the wider region.

Matthew Smith, founder of the suicide prevention charity, which is based in Great Lumley, will also be taking part.

Mrs Snowdon, 54, lost her husband Ian to suicide in October 2014 and became aware of the work of the If U Care Share Foundation a few months later.

Since then, Hilary has been a regular supporter of the charity, but had never considered running until she discovered the foundation would be the official charity of the 2018 Prince Bishops Durham City Run.

She said: “Up until now, I have never run in my life, so taking on the Prince Bishops Durham City 5K is really going to take me out of my comfort zone.

“It was great to meet Ben today – his story is inspirational and helps make me believe that I can achieve my goal of running the 5K for this brilliant charity.

“I became aware of the If U Care Share Foundation a few months after Ian took his life. The foundation does some incredible work with young people and this is a cause that is very close to my heart, so I am determined to complete my run in July.”

Mr Cram, the race founder, said: “Ben has become a great friend since I met him during his epic challenge.

“He continues to be a huge source of inspiration for so many people and we’re thrilled that he will be joining us for the Prince Bishops Durham City Run this year.”

The run takes place on Wednesday, July 18 and includes 5k and 10k route – both of which finish outside Durham Cathedral.

The 10k race is £24 to enter and the 5k is £15, with discounts for club runners. Places can be booked by visiting www.durhamcityrun.com.