Runners in Barrow join record-breaking marathon event

The occasion invited members of the public to take part in the 401 challenge, which is seeing a British man attempt to complete 401 marathons in 401 days.

As part of his 165th run route, Ben Smith, 33, from Portishead, near Bristol, invited locals to take part in his 26.2-mile run through the Furness area.

One of the runners, Craig Preston, 52, of Dalton, said: "I think it's fantastic.

"Reading his story, you'll just be having a look through what he's done and before you know it you've been reading for half-an-hour. It's brilliant."

Some of those running will be attempting to complete the whole run, with some looking to complete a part of it.

Mr Smith is fundraising as part of a campaign to tackle and raise awareness of bullying in the UK.

One of the aims of the 401 challenge is to get local people involved in the event in whatever capacity they can manage, and to encourage others to take part for a good cause.

Sonja Foster, run-leader for the Parkside Panthers and a successful marathon runner, said: "One of my friends was part of this event in Leeds and told me about it.

"Ben comes across as a really nice person and what he is doing is incredible and requires a really strong will."

The 401 challenge has already attracted more than 3,300 people to join in the runs across the country, and has now surpassed the £35,000 mark as they look to raise £250,000 for charities Kidscape and Stonewall.

At the age of 10, Mr Smith started boarding school and felt he was an easy target for bullies, and this challenge is about battling against bullying issues.

Mr Smith said: "This is all about having some fun as well as making a difference.

"It is an opportunity for people to show their support and that bullying should not be part of growing up."

"It is about showing respect and that no matter who you are, nobody gets left behind."

"I have had a phenomenal time on this event and everyone has been fantastic."