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
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Great story and very inspiring but, can't please everyone and maybe I'm being a bit critical. The love story part and very deep feelings was not for me.

Inspired but uncertain

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Really enjoyed this, What a fantastic listen, everyone needs a Ben Smith in their life

A great story, Ben is inspirational

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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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It is a very interesting and inspiring story. The narration is perfect and the audio is top notch. The book, however, could've been a little bit shorter. The last hour or so felt like a repetition of what already had been said...

A remarkable story

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Loved Ben’s journey and so inspirational and proves that you are in control. You just need to take it and the support around you.

Inspirational

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A really good in site to a remarkable yet normal guy who found running his savour.

If I was being picky I would say a little more information and detail regarding things like the kit he used and why and also the things he maybe tried but wouldn’t recommend. Basically more about the actual running side of things and possibly a little less on his personal relationship. No offence taken.

A raw account of a unique person doing a remarkable thing.

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I would recommend this book to anyone, especially if you've had any issues and barriers in your life. Ben comes across as a very normal person who had a difficult start in life, as many of us do, who went out and achieved something amazing and changed his life for the better forever. It has given me the feeling that you can do what you want to make you happy no matter how hard it is, it will be worth it in the end. Thank you Ben for writing down your story.

Inspiring and humbling

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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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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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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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