2. “
Welcome to the 401 Corporate Pack!
On the 1st September 2015 I will begin one of the
most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I will
be undertaking a ‘World Record’ attempt which will see me run
401 marathons in 401 consecutive days around 309 different
locations of the UK mainland.
The challenge will aim to raise both awareness of the issues of
bullying in our society and £250,000 for two amazing charities
dedicated to tackling bullying. The two charities are called
‘Stonewall’ and ‘Kidscape’. Both these charities work tirelessly to
support award winning initiatives which really get to the heart of
bullying in our UK schools and society in all forms.
The £250,000 that will be through generous donations from UK
business’ and the public will help support both these charities
carry on the amazing work they do.
”
Through the use of social media, The 401 challenge Facebook
page has already over 1000 followers and growing every day,
our Twitter feed has just over 300 followers to date and we are
seeing great interaction on both formats. Every day, messages
from the public both here in the UK and abroad come in wishing
me luck and asking how they can be involved. The 401 challenge
is starting to inspire people even before it has officially started,
the positive engagement and passion people are showing is truly
humbling and motivating.
On top of this we have managed to secure some high profile
sponsors that are dedicated to supporting the 401 Challenge
eitherthrough financial sponsorship to help cover costs of the
challenge or through material sponsorship to help with the
everyday needs of the challenge.
I’m extremely lucky to have such amazing sponsors, friends and
family members that believe in what we are trying to achieve, we
couldn’t do it without them.
The aims and objectives of The 401 challenge are simple:
Raise £250,0000 to support ‘Stonewall’ and
‘Kidscape’
Raise awareness of bullying in the UK
Complete and achieve 401 marathons in 401
consecutive days
Involve as many people as possible and inspire
people to push their limits
With a collaborative approach to planning this challenge
over the past 2 years, we have been able to involve over
250 EA approved running clubs throughout the UK, over
300 qualified therapists and over 100 schools already, all
of which are onboard and supporting the 401 Challenge
with either routes, therapy or opportunities to talk within
their school on the subject of bullying.
3. My Story
Now you know a little about the challenge, I suppose
the next question is who am I and why am I doing this?
Well my name is Ben, I am 33 years old and live just outside
Bristol in the South west of the UK. I am a pretty normal
guy but I think what makes me slightly different is my past.
At the age of 10 I went away to school. My father was in the
forces and at the time we lived in Germany and to ensure
my schooling wasn’t affected the decision was taken to
send me to boarding school in the UK. Coming from a very
close and supportive family environment I found myself
alone and very insecure; it would be fair to say it was a
shock to the system and a change I wasn’t completely
prepared for, this meant I was an easy target for school
bullies unfortunately.
Over the following 8 years I became more and more
reclusive and unsure of myself. I turned from an outgoing
and excitable child into a very shy and under confident
individual. The daily physical and emotional abuse broke
me and unfortunately at the age of 18 I tried to take my own
life after suffering a nervous breakdown. Growing up as a
teenager is hard enough without having to through mental
and physical abuse at the hands of your peers.
After leaving school I went straight on to university where
it was clear that the bullying had left its mark on me. I was
unable to trust people, make friends or even function some
days, I spent most of my first year automatically feeling
people were out to get me. Whilst at university I suffered
from depression which led me to try and take my own life
again, I just didn’t want to be alive anymore and didn’t see
any way of getting myself out of the situation I found myself
in, I felt alone and unable to talk to anyone about it. My
studies suffered and on leaving full time education I didn’t
really have a clear understanding of who I was and what I
wanted to achieve in life.
Over the next 12 years I led what could only be described
as a routine, normal existence. I focused on accomplishing
things others wanted me to do, never really having the
strength or motivation to make my own decisions, I suppose
you could say I became a professional at this.
The turning point for me came when I was 31, after years of
doing what others wanted me to do, acting in a way others
told me to act I took charge of my life and finally came out as
gay. It suddenly felt like my life made sense, no longer did I
pretend to be happy or act in a certain way to successfully
fool people. I was finally 100% congruent with myself,
which brought about feelings of complete inner peace and
strength. The bullying I had faced at school had stripped
me of my ability to accept who I was but this was no more.
Around 3 years ago I started running; I got into it as a way
of reducing stress in my life. I was overweight, depressed
and needed something to focus on. I can’t count the number
of times I had watched the London marathon on TV and
wished I could do something like that. I started with running
a few miles and then completed a few 10K races and
then my first half marathon in 2012. The feeling I got from
running was a sense of accomplishment I had never felt
before, I was hooked. Having never been very good at sport
at school you could say I had started from nothing which
made the achievement even sweeter.
Around 2 years ago I decided to plan a challenge that at
the time I honestly didn’t feel I would be able to do; this is
where the 401 challenge was born. In 2013 I completed my
first two marathons, then in 2014 I completed 18 marathons
within the year all around the world and this year alone
I have completed 10 marathons of which 7 were back to
back marathons in the states. My confidence has grown
massively, with 30 marathons under my belt in just 2 years,
a wealth of knowledge gained from working with some of
the best health professionals around I feel as ready as I
will ever be to take on board this huge rewarding challenge.
Having a close network of friends, family and sponsors on
board has been integral to the success of the 401 Challenge
so far. The strength they have given me to accept who I am
has led me to be able to use my own experiences from my
past and present to stand up and be counted when it comes
to stamping out bullying. It’s important to point out, the 401
Challenge isn’t about being a victim, the challenge is about
showing people that no matter what you go through growing
up there can always be a positive outcome if you want there
to be.
Why not become part of The 401 Challenge family?
4. Tolu Osinnowo: The 401 Project Manager
What can I say about Tolu that will do
her justice? You know when you meet a
person in your life where you immediately
get that feeling that they are one of the
special ones, one of life’s great people.
Well this is the feeling I got when I first
ever met Tolu.
Othe rmembers of the project team and
I decided to ask Tolu if she would come
onboard because of her expertise in
project management and graphic design,
lucky for us she said yes! Since being
involved in The 401 Challenge, Tolu has
worked tirelessly alongside her evening
job (for free!!) to ensure the project has
an identity and is clearly focused on its
objectives. Tolu has been responsible
formanaging relationships with key
supporters of The 401 Challenge.
Tolu is one of those people that is
so creative, has amazing ideas and
constantly looks outside the box for
inspiration – I don’t even think she knows
there is a box to be fair!
Beverley Smith: The 401 Health Manager
My Mum! I have to say ever since I was born my mum and I have shared a special bond, she is
simply put one of the most incrediblepeople I know. Mum has had a fair share of bad experiences in
her life which have constantly tested her strength of character, her belief in humanity and her shear
will to keep going. She is an incredibly strong minded person and has been a massive source of
inspiration and support in my life. I’m lucky to call her my mum, no matter how moody I may be, how
crazy my ideas are, nothing ever fazes her! (I’m yet to find anything she hasn’t accepted about me!).
Mum has been committed to helping people throughout her life. She worked as a nurse for 30 years
and as a counsellor for a further17 years. Mum has been helping people to identify their potential,
motivate their minds and achieve their goals, (makes you wonder whether it rubbed off on me just
a little!). This has ranged from supporting people within the NHS, the educational system, the RAF
and also private sector organisations. She has also worked within the charitable sector and has
successfully run a charity in the past before retiring. Mum is responsible for organising all of my pre
and post marathon care. She has been liaising with numerous therapists up and down the country
and organising all of my therapy. This will make sure I am fit and ready to run each day.
Stephanie Blake: The 401 Head Therapist
I met Steph at the Bournemouth Marathon
in 2014 and we have been close friends
ever since! How can I describe Steph?
She’s one of those people that gives
literally everything, be that in life, in work
or to her friends and family. She has such
a kind spirit about her and a great set of
guns to match!
Steph is heavily into cross fit, running
and cycling. We have a long standing
joke about who is more hardcore/insane
and she wins this every time, don’t know
anyone else that can do five cross fit
sessions each week, spin at least four
times a week, run and then find time to run
her own business.
Steph is supporting me with regular free
remedial massage sessions to ensure
I stay injury free on the lead up to The
401 Challenge and then during the event
when she can. She is extremely qualified
in many areas of massage therapy and I
am lucky to have her on board with the
challenge.
Andy Davis: The 401 Personal Trainer
Andy has been working with me for over a year and a half now and has basically changed my life.
Under his guidance and expertise I have transformed my body into a lean mean running machine
and I owe this all to him. Andy has become a close friend and has always been on hand to answer
any stupid questions I have had about exercise and nutrition and I tell you there have been some
stupid ones!
Andy has competed in athletics and rugby from a young age to an elite level and this has meant that
he has been very committed to exercise and nutrition all of his life, keeping his body performing at its
best as well as preventing injury, two points that have been extremely useful in training me up for this
challenge. Andy’s experience in strength and conditioning and sports specific training have been a
good match for The 401 challenge, Andy has been training me for free recently and will continue on
the run up to The 401 challenge, without his advice, expertise and constant motivational attitude I
would be in the position I am now.
Peter Smith: The 401 Operations Manager
My Dad! An amazing man to say the least - has seen more things in life than most of us could
imagine. I have always been close tomy Dad even though he served for 39 years in the military and
was away a lot. My Dad has always been a grounding force for me, always someone you can call
and talk things through with, always able to give the best, the most logical and sound advice even if
he doesn’t know what he’s giving advice on (he knows everything mind). Dad served with the RAF
for almost 39 years, serving as anAerospace Battle Manager. His final post before retirement was
as the Senior Instructor for Advance Air Warfare at the RAF Air Warfare Centre in Lincolnshire.
Dad has advanced leadership and managerial skills and is capable of motivating at all levels. Dad
brings his strategic and operational experience to The 401 challenge which has been invaluable.
Dad has been collaborating with over 250 running clubs all around the country and has been solely
responsible for organising all of 309 club routes required to complete The 401 Challenge, put it this
way Dad knows how to get things done.
Chris Kay: The 401 Running Coach
Chris is new to the team and has come onboard as The 401 Running Coach. I have been working
with him over the past few months and will continue on the lead up to The 401 Challenge. He
has been focusing on my technique and in turn making me a more efficient runner, it’s paying off
massively already.
Chris is a fully qualified Sports Rehabilitation Specialist from St Mary’s University in Twickenham
however he has been at the Bristol Running School since it launched. Chris has experience in
both running as well as coaching, competing in half marathons and 10k’s all over the UK as well
as having worked at the London Marathon. Chris is also a practitioner at the Bristol Physiotherapy
Clinic which is directly associated with The Running School. He has also worked with International
Rugby Teams such as New Zealand and Australia along with London Welsh and London Irish
Amateurs.
Vicky Burr: The 401 Communications Expert
Vicky Burr has around twenty years commercial experience across marketing, communications,
business development and operations. Over the years, Vicky has been involved as a volunteer,
either fundraising or more directly, with several charities, including Make a Wish Foundation and
Wildlife Aid. Vicky’s passions mostly involve spending time with her daughter and running.
Lucky enough to win a place on Women’s Running magazine’s Project 26.2, Vicky recently had
the benefit of fully supported marathon training, bringing her a long way from her NHS Couch to
5K start less than 3 years ago. Vicky is an active member of the C25K community and regularly
meets other members of the virtual team at races around the country. She now has her eye on her
first ultra and is planning to run an ultra with her daughter in 2016. Vicky is delighted to join the
401 Challenge team, as it supports causes close to her heart. Knowing several children who have
been bullied extensively, including her own daughter, she is passionate about raising awareness
and funds to support the work of the charities and help get the messages across.
Mike Karthauser: The 401 Website Designer
I met Mike around 2 years ago when I started running with Southville Running Club. Mike is an
avid runner and has completed a number of grueling running adventures in his years of running.
Last year he completed his 365 challenge and this year he trained and completed The Green Man
Race, a grueling 45 mile Ultra run all around the city of Bristol.
After putting out an advert for help and support for building a website Mike offered his expertise,
the rest is history. Mike has been developing websites for over 15 years and he jokes that he would
build you a CMS as soon as look at you. He understands things so you don’t have to, he has taken
all the ideas and functions I wanted from an interactive website and come up with a real gem that
completely delivers on what the challenge is trying to accomplish with focus on interaction and
involvement to build awareness of bullying and raise money as well.
Mike co owns Brightstorm Web Design and Development and they are managing The 401
Challenge website pre, during and afterthe event.
Meet the Team
5. Stonewall is the leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality charity. It was
founded in 1989 by a group of people who wanted to break down the barriers to
equality. Stonewall continue to campaign and lobby government to change laws to
ensure everyone, everywhere is free to be themselves.
Stonewall is renowned for its campaigning and lobbying and over 16,000 people
have joined its NoBystanders campaign which asks the public to stand up to
bullying and teasing language.
As part of Stonewall’s Education Champions programme, local authorities work with
Stonewall and each other to establish ways in which they can address homophobic,
biphobic and transphobic bullying and promote a safe and inclusive learning environment
for all young people.
More than a quarter of all local authorities in England and more than one third of the
London boroughs are already members of the programme.
I am supporting Stonewall and another
anti bullying charity called Kidscape, 70% of the
proceeds will end up with Stonewall. The aim is to
raise £250,000 through this project
“
”
Stonewall works in partnership with a growing network of organisations to help create real change for the better. It campaigns to eliminate homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in
communities, and empowers LGBT people and their allies to be role models wherever they live, work, shop, socialise or pray.
Stonewall’s vision is of a world where all people everywhere are free to be themselves without fear from discrimination, and are accepted without exception both here and overseas.
For more information please visit Stonewalls website: www.stonewall.org.uk
Charities
6. The 401 Challenge is passionate about supporting charities which support the
idea that bullying isn’t a way of life and should not be tolerated. We are proud
to be supporting Kidscape in its mission to equip young people, parents and
professionals with the confidence and skills to challenge bullying in all its forms.
You will see below an outline of Kidscape’s work and values, I urge you to read
them, support them and learn more about what they do. Without your help, charities
such as Kidscape would not be able to continue their vital work supporting children
and families in need.
Vision
Kidscape believes that all
children should be able
to grow up in a world free
from bullying and abuse,
and that all adults should
keep children safe and
help them to reach their
full potential.
Kidscape’s work
Kidscape works directly with young people aged 9-16, parents, carers and those in
professional contact with children. Its current projects and services include:
Advice and information on bullying, cyber bullying and e-safety freely available to
young people, parents and professionals.
Free assertiveness workshops for young people who have experienced bullying and
their parents or carers – teaching children practical strategies for dealing with bullying
and giving parents expert advice on how to best support their child.
Anti-bullying programmes
in schools which offer early
intervention, fully funded
support to students and
professionals.
Training for professionals
working with children, giving
them the necessary knowledge
to prevent and tackle bullying
and safeguarding issues.
Charities
Kidscape’s impact
“Kidscape has boosted my confidence and changed my life around. I now attend the activities that I want to go to, and I feel much more confident in my school work and going out. I
truly thank Kidscape for what it did for me.” Ross, aged 14.
“After the last few months of my son being bullied at his school, we appreciated that at last someone was trying to help, and that we weren’t isolated. On meeting other children and
their parents through Kidscape, I felt that we could get and give support to each other and I thank you for that.” Parent.
“Thank you very much for the support you gave to us as a school. We feel more empowered to tackle bullying. I know it is going to be on going, but the foundation you have laid is
solid. I had feedback from parents that were in the workshop and they were so pleased that they attended.” Primary school staff, Newham.
You can learn more about Kidscape and how it helps by visiting its websites.
www.facebook.com/kidscapecharity www.twitter.com/kidscape
7. Training for a challenge like this isn’t easy, especially when you add in
managing a challenge like this and also a full time job that is demanding on
my time. My training has been structured in a way to build my confidence,
knowledge of my body, reduce the risk of injury and decrease my recovery
time. Through the experiences I have had over the past two years of
running marathons and the people I have been working with I have learnt
a lot about the biomechanics of running, the toll marathon running has on
my body and the importance of diet, training and rest.
Training, Health and Equipment
Stage 1 Training
In 2014 I completed 18 marathons in a year; the aim of this was to un-
derstand the biomechanics of running and also to understand how far I
could push my body sensibly without risking injury. During this year I ran
in 15 counties all around the world, met some amazing people and learnt
an awful lot about my limits. All of this was self-funded but was worth the
expense as it built my confidence and passion for running even more.
Stage 2 Training
At the start of 2015 I completed 10 marathons in 13 weeks, of which 7
were back to back marathons in the states. This was my first taste of back
to back marathon running and I got to speak to some incredibly experi-
enced Ultra marathon runners one of which was Larry Macon (the cur-
rent Guinness World record holder for the most number of marathons run
in a lifetime – 1500+). Experiencing this and meeting these amazing people
has given me foresight and advice I will use to achieve the 401 marathons.
Apart from the marathon running, I train in a specialized gym with a personal
trainer 3 times a week and work with a running coach to ensure I am running
in the most efficient way. I also run every day of the week to get used to the
idea of being out every day and from time to time when I can fit it in I spin.
The planning and training part of this challenge has been extremely impor-
tant in ensuring I am ready for this challenge. In addition to this I have spon-
sors on board that will be supporting me with supplementation, blood testing
and analysis, tailored food supply, recovery supplementation and therapy.
8. £250,000 sounds like a huge number and it is, so we have designed and incorporated a number of
creative ways to raise this money, pre, during and after the challenge.
The 401 Online Shop
The 410 challenge will be offering official merchandise in the form of wristbands which can be
bought individually or as part of a box set which includes 30. These will be sold for £1 each
excluding P&P and will be sold through the 401 online shop which is incorporated into the 401
website. We are looking at selling boxes of wristbands to schools, colleges, business and running
shops all around the country.
Virgin Money Giving:
Unlike other fundraising platforms, Virgin Money Giving does not make a
profit from donations, so more money can be then be directed to the cause.
Money raised can be distributted to multiple charies, which is ideal for The 401
Challenge.
We have a designated Virgin Money Giving link that has been setup to enable
people to donate directly to the 401 Challenge
EasyFundraising.org.uk
Ever asked people to donate to a challenge or a cause you are doing and got the response, “Oh sorry I can’t afford to do this at
the moment”, well we have a way round this.
Easyfundriasing.org.uk is a way to raise money for good causes such as schools, charities, sports clubs, religious groups,
community groups and more, simply by shopping online. People are able to shop with over 2700 top retailers and choose from
over 55,000 good causes of which The 401 Challenge is one of them. A percentage of what they spend will automatically be
donated by the retailer to the 401 challenge at no cost to the person donating making it easy to donate and still afford to do the
things they need to do. Even businesses can set themselves up with regard to any supplies they may order, check out the link
and setup an account now to help benefit The 401 Challenge at www.easyfundraising.org.uk
ETCHROCK
Etchrock is extremely excited to be part of The 401 Challenge, so much so that The 401 Challenge is their flagship
challenge for their new re launch. Etchrock is an online virtual challenge hosting platform with currently over 40K
global followers and growing. They specialise in creating virtual challenges to inspire people to push their limits.
Etchrock will allow all supporters of ‘The 401 Challenge’ to be involved in their ‘Run with Ben’ virtual challenge.
Each individual logging miles with the ‘Run with Ben’ challenge will help spread the word of ‘The 401 Challenge’
and the great work both ‘Stonewall’ and ‘Kidscape’ do. Each individual will be able to create their own virtual
challenge, link it to ‘The 401 Challenge’ and get started, every mile logged, every training session completed will
all be able to be shared via social media and will grow The 401 community, this twinned with Etchrock’s global
reach means greater opportunities to grow ‘The 401 Challenge’ profile. Every person that takes part in the ‘Run
with Ben’ challenge has the capacity to become a fundraiser themselves as they join in the challenge with all
proceeds linked directly back to ‘The 401 Challenge’. It’s yet another creative and engaging way to involve people
all over the world and raise money for these two amazing causes, check them out at www.etchrock.com.
“
”
How do we aim to raise the £250,000?
9. Southville Running Club:
My current running club and one of the main reasons why I have such a
passion for running. Over the years Southville Running Club have been so
supportive of what I am doing, they will be joining me for runs in Bristol
once the challenge starts, including planningall nine Bristol routes. ‘The
401 Challenge’ has a regular training group that goes out on Tuesdays and
Thursdays dedicated to help inspire runners to push their limits.
SponsorsAs I have mentioned before, we have a number of sponsors
already onboard which are supporting ‘The 401 Challenge’
in a number of specialist ways, these include the following:
Ben Coomber - TDT:
Ben Coomber, one of the UK leading nutritionists has developed a brand of performance and
recovery sprays that ‘The 401 Challenge’ will be using. TDT at its core is a company that
focuses on performance and recovery enhancement. Oral supplementation can be ineffective
with certain nutrients due to absorption time and competition for absorption in the gut, thus
some nutrients can be impaired and absorbed none optimally. Oral supplementation also has
a non-localized effect and especially in the world of recovery, localized effects can be highly
beneficial.
BAA Clothing:
Be An Athlete (BAA) is a premium sportswear brand, committed to delivering exceptional
quality and style. Specialising in luxury, sports-inspired fashion, including T-shirts, leggings
and sweatpants, their concept is to create apparel that epitomizes the commitment and drive
of a professional athlete.
Be An Athlete will be supporting ‘The 401 Challenge’ by providing downtime sportswear. From
luxury tracksuits and t-shirts, to a selection of premium headwear, including hats, snapbacks
and caps. Be An Athlete sportswear is not only incredibly comfortable and stylish, but also
extremely hardwearing and durable which is exactly what you need when facing a challenge of
this magnitude.
Zoot Sports:
Zoot Sports, a global leader in endurance sports is 100% focused on
providing the athlete with the ultimate in performance apparel,wetzoots,
footwear and accessories. For 30 years, they have been pioneering
innovative product solutions that cover the athlete from start to finish
and head to toe. Zoot continues to draw on its history to deliver the most
comprehensive, technologically advanced and complete multisport
product line in the world.
Zoot Sports is providing ‘The 401 Challenge’ with all the running kit and
trainers required to complete an event like this.
Etchrock:
Etchrock’s main aim for ‘The 401 Challenge’ will be
to raise awareness and engagement surrounding
the challenge. They aim to give people the chance
to support ‘The 401 Challenge’ in more ways than
a simple donation, the main way being through
the virtual ‘Run with Ben’ challenge. Etchrock will
provide a platform where people will be able to
not only support the challenge, but also be part
of the challenge themselves and raise donations.
Gore Bio Sciences:
Gore Bio Sciences provide an in depth biochemical
analysis to help you achieve greater potential.
Throughout the challenge Gore Bio Sciences will
be testing my blood, analysing its content and then
reporting back to me on what I need to change in my
diet to maintain both my macro and micro nutrient
levels. This will ensure I stay at optimal fitness
throughout the challenge and will give
me an indication of anything I need to change.
Stephanie Blake Massage:
Steph is on hand to offer free remedial massage therapy pre, during and after the challenge, she
will be working closely with all therapists throughout the UK to ensure my recovery treatments are
tailored to offer me the best chance of recovering fast enough to run the following day. Steph will
travel with me from time to time to cover areas which are not currently covered by therapists.
Pure Results:
Andy at Pure Results has been training me for over a year and half; his programmes have been
tailored to ensure my body is in the best possible position to endure this challenge. Andy will continue
to train me up until the start of the challenge and then will be on hand throughout to offer expert
advice.
The Bristol Running School:
Chris Kay for The Bristol Running School has been working closely with me to ensure I am running
in the most efficient way possible,
Chris will continue to train me up until the start of The 401 Challenge and then will be on hand to
offer advice throughout.
