STUDENTS at a Bradford school tried to keep up with a fundraiser who is running a world record 401 marathons in 401 days for charity.

Ben Smith stopped at Bradford Academy in Teasdale Street, Bowling, to tell the students about his 401 Challenge during an assembly.

He is running the 26.3 mile distance every day, aiming to raise £250,000 for the Stonewall and Kidscape charities.

He took part in his 151st marathon in Bradford today. His route started and finished in Peel Park and included Lister Park, Guiseley and Otley and Rawdon.

He will run his 4,000th mile on Sunday, January 31, when he takes part in his 153rd marathon in Leeds. Mr Smith will be taking part in three more marathons in Keighley and Bradford between August 1 and 3.

A total of 3,000 people across the UK has joined him with the challenge so far, most completing one mile on his courses each.

He is due to complete his epic challenge with a marathon in Bristol on October 5, this year.

A total of 250 running clubs, including Eccleshill Road Runners, are involved in planning the routes for 309 different locations across the UK.

Mr Smith, 33, spoke in the assembly at Bradford Academy about anti-bullying and was asked by the students about what he is eating during the fundraising feat.

He said he was bullied at school between the ages of ten and 18, when he had a nervous breakdown and tried to take his own life.

But he then took up running and is now taking on the challenge to promote anti-bullying.

Mr Smith said: "It's been tough, especially with the weather.

"I enjoy running and it was the catalyst for what I have done in the last few years in my life.

"The physicality has been tough so far.

"I am zig-zagging across the UK. I have already completed marathons in Land's End and John O'Groats.

"Running has given me my self-esteem and confidence back.

"So far, 88 people have taken part in their first marathon in this challenge with me."

He will run more than 10,506 miles in his test, the equivalent distance between London and Sydney.

Mr Smith, of Bristol, has fractured his toe and had tendonitis in his shin already during the test. He is also burning 6,000 calories each day.

He started his gruelling challenge on September 1 last year and is completing the routes across the UK over the next eight months.

Bradford Academy teacher Tim Astin said: "The children were very interested in his challenge.

"We thought it was a good thing to get involved in. We wanted to support him as a school. He is a role model.

"We will be holding more fundraising events in the school for his charity."

To make a donation, go to the401challenge.co.uk.