Starting on 1st September 2015, Ben Smith famously set off on a journey of a lifetime to complete 401 marathons in 401 consecutive days. His feat made headline news and as well as encouraging almost 10,000 runners to share in his journey, Ben raised over £330,000 for two anti bullying charities and raised the much needed awareness of bullying in the UK.
Ben's adventure may be over, but his journey is not complete and the work continues to carry on the legacy of The 401 Challenge. The setup of The 401 Foundation which offers grants to grassroots projects that focus their efforts on building confidence and self esteem along with tackling mental health and self development issues for all ages is that legacy.
So, why not join us for the return of this fantastic event and get involved with The 401 Foundation through their second Festival of Running? The Festival will in the spirit of The 401 Challenge, appeal to runners and non runners, of all ages, sizes and abilities. With a choice of races for the youngsters as well as 5k, 10k and half marathon distances available. Why not test yourself and take on The 401 Foundation Challenge and complete a series of four distance events including the 401 6.1km to complete the marathon distance. You will also receive a special challenge medal! All routes take place in and around the beautiful location of Portishead near Bristol, Ben's home town.
The Saturday event will kick off with the 401 5k, followed by The 401 500m, The 401 One Mile Dash and The 401 Half Marathon. Followed by The 401 After Party, with food and music! Come dressed in your favourite bright clothes and light accessories to help illuminate the course! The brighter the better, be creative!
Sunday will see The 401 10k, as well as a chance for the Young Runners to do the double and complete the 500m and One Mile Dashes. And for those who have entered the festival will finish the weekend with the new 401 6.1km to complete the iconic marathon distance!
Bespoke medals on offer to all finishers plus prizes and trophies available for leading runners in all races, plus top three overall male and female for those who enter The 401 Foundation Challenge!
Timetable
Saturday
2.30 The 401 5k
3.30 The 401 Kids 500m
4.00 The 401 Kids 1 Mile Dash
4.30 The 401 Half Marathon
Sunday
10.00 The 401 10k
11.30 The 401 Kids 500m Dash
12.00 The 401 1 Mile Dash
12.30 The 401 6.1km
The Course
The Half Marathon course will be a two lap undulating route using the roads surrounding Portishead starting and finish at Portsihead Lake Grounds.
The 10k route is a single lap route around the roads of Portishead.
The 5k route is a two lap route using the roads surrounding the Portishead Lake Grounds.
You can view copies of the route maps for each event below.
First Aid
St John Ambulance will be in attendance on the day and the course will be marshalled to provide assistance. There will also be a sweep marshal following the race to ensure that nobody is left behind and that all runners are accounted for.
Race Entry
Race | Attached Early Bird Ticket Price | Unattached Early Bird Ticket Price |
The 401 Festival Challenge (NEW) | £60.00 | £58.00 |
The Kids 401 Festival Challenge (NEW) | £18.00 | £18.00 |
The 401 Kids 500m Double Dash (NEW) | £9.00 | £9.00 |
The 401 Kids 1 Mile Double Dash (NEW) | £9.00 | £9.00 |
The 401 Kids Mixed Double Dash (NEW) | £9.00 | £9.00 |
The 401 5km | £15.00 | £13.00 |
The 401 Kids 500m | £5.00 | £5.00 |
The 401 Kids 1 Mile Dash | £5.00 | £5.00 |
The 401 Half Marathon | £25.00 | £23.00 |
The 401 10km | £20.00 | £18.00 |
The 401 Kids 500m | £5.00 | £5.00 |
The 401 Kids 1 Mile Dash | £5.00 | £5.00 |
The 401 6.1km (NEW) | Included in Festival Challenge | Included in Festival Challenge |
For further information or enquiries, please call us on 01797 229955.