A RUNNER taking on an epic marathon challenge in aid of anti-bullying charities is giving Weymouth athletes another chance to get involved.

Ben Smith, 33, pledged to run 401 marathons in 401 days and the 33rd leg of the challenge was completed in Weymouth in October last year.

Local club and park runners joined him on the route.

Now, Ben is about to reach the end of his incredible 10,506.2 mile journey and his team has organised a virtual running event so those who have supported him all over the country can once again get involved.

He is set to run his final marathon in Bristol on October 5, but between October 2 and 9, people can join Ben virtually by running a 10k, half marathon or full marathon.

The 401 Challenge team has joined forces with Virgin Money Giving and EtchRock, which runs a virtual platform enabling runners to record their training, connect with other participants and help promote the challenge worldwide.

Ben wants to raise £250,000 to be split between Kidscape and Stonewall, after his own experiences of being bullied as a child. Writing on his website, he describes how he tried to take his own life aged 18, and how taking up running as an adult helped him to tackle stress and depression.

The Weymouth leg of Ben’s challenge was planned by Norman White, of Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers.

Speaking at the time, Mr White said: “I know that many people prefer to run alone, but I would strongly urge every runner to try some sessions with one or more clubs and discover a new dimension to their own running.”

Stuart King cofounder of EtchRock UK said: “EtchRock are extremely proud to be supporting Ben Smith & the Final 401 Marathon with what is set to be one of the UK's biggest virtual challenges yet. With the release of our new ticketing feature for virtual challenges, we hope to help raise as much as possible for Ben's great cause.”

The virtual running event is open to people of all abilities as participants can choose their distance, location and pace.

Entry costs £26.20, which will all be donated to the charities. To sign up visit etchrock.com or www.the401challenge.co.uk

For more information about Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers, visit www.wsphandac.co.uk