SOUTH Cumbrians have been invited to back a runner pounding his way through a colossal athletic challenge.

Ben Smith, 33, from Portishead, near Bristol, is attempting to run 401 marathons in 401 days at more than 300 different locations across Britain this year.

In his 165th running route since starting the event back in September, Mr Smith will be running from and back to the Abbey Mill Coffee Shop, in Abbey Approach, and he is inviting local runners to join him on this route.

Emma Broadbent, of Active Cumbria,  will be taking part in a section of his marathon, and thinks that the efforts of Mr Smith will be an inspiration to people in the Furness area.

She said: "I think it could inspire more people when you read about his story and what Ben has been through.

"It is something many people can relate to and I think it could be a great reason for people to put on their running shoes and run for a great cause." 

Mr Smith's aim is to raise £250,000 from his challenge for the Stonewall and Kidscape charities. 

He hopes his efforts will raise awareness and help tackle the problem of bullying in the UK. Whilst at boarding school from the age of 10, Ben felt alone and isolated, and felt it had made him an easy target for bullies.

Mr Smith has already broken the world record for the most marathons run in consecutive days, and his team will be submitting their evidence of his 401 marathons at the end of the challenge.

John Greenwood, of Snipe Ghyll Cottages, in Marton, is helping Mr Smith with his accommodation whilst he is in South Cumbria.

Mr Greenwood said: "To think about doing a marathon every day is just incredible.

"It is great just to have that opportunity to support somebody who is running for such good causes."

Mr Smith's run will start at the Abbey Mill Coffee Shop on Friday, February 12, with a meet time of 9am, and runners are invited to come along for all or part of the journey.