USA Challenge ends for ultra-athlete Ben Smith

USA Challenge ends for ultra-athlete Ben Smith.

After a fourth gruelling day for ultra athlete Ben Smith, the USA Challenge has come to an end.  The devastating decision was made after hours of deliberation and emotional discussions with his team in the UK.  With the severity of the searing heat and tropical rainstorms battering him, the most difficult decision was taken to stop Ben and just ‘get him home’.

Ben travelled to the USA on 12^th June to prepare for his epic solo USA Challenge knowing he was carrying an injury.  He was given great advice and support from sport injury professionals here in the UK and knew it could be managed.  The reality was that it meant he would be losing valuable time by walking his running segment and the loss of rest time started to take its toll on his recovery after day two.  Having already completed the equivalent miles of two back-to-back ironman events, and carrying his own kit, Ben was preparing for day three.

Helen, Operations Support at 401 HQ said ‘I have been speaking to Ben every day sometimes 4 or 5 times a day to keep a close eye on him.  I could sense there was something wrong after he completed day three.  He was exhausted.  Ben decided to walk half marathons to save more time, but it still meant that he had to get up a 3.00am to start his day.  It was his intention to cover any lost miles later in the Challenge when his leg had healed properly but to have lost the miles early on was not the best start for him and it started to play on his mind.