5 Running Stories to Inspire

It's never easy to start something new, especially when that something puts you completely out of your comfort zone. Whether it's the cold mornings, the dark evenings or just the passing cars that stop you from pulling on your trainers, there is inspiration to be had. Take a look at five inspiring runners who have defied the odds to make a name for themselves.

1. Ben Smith

Recently making the news for his phenomenal efforts, Ben Smith has just completed 401 marathons in 401 days. How is that possible I hear you ask? Determined to prove to others that bullying cannot hold you back, the 34 year-old has raised more than £250,000 for charities.

Having suffered a mini-stroke and previously attempted suicide, Smith's story is all the more exceptional when you consider he has been able to transform his life completely through running. And in the process, he has helped millions of others believe that there is a way through dark days.

2. Fauja Singh

Most people don't make it to the grand old age of 105, but Fauja Singh wants to make his later years as memorable as possible. Only restarting running at 89, Singh did so after the deaths of his wife and son, telling The Guardian: "Running was God's way of distracting me from suffering mentally from the loss of my wife and son."

Now retired, Singh completed his last marathon aged 102, making him the oldest known runner in the world.

3. Sarah Reinertsen

Reinertsen lost her left leg at the age of just seven after being born with a bone-growth disorder, but she started running only four years later. From her first international track meet (a World Record), the American knew big things were to come.

The first amputee to ever complete the Ironman World Championship, Reinertsen has battled it out for numerous world records and has even been the face of advertising campaigns for renowned companies such as Nike.

4. Steve Way

It's very easy to judge people, but Steve Way is a standout reason as to why we shouldn't. At one-time 16 stone, Way was a smoker, drinker and very unhealthy eater. At that point, you probably wouldn't have expected sport to be his next step.

But Way has gone on to shock the world and reached the pinnacle of his career when he starred for England in the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Now the holder of the British 100km record, Way continues to defy his background and advancing years.

5. Derek Redmond

If you're not familiar with the name you almost definitely will be with his image. Competing for Great Britain at the Barcelona Olympics 1992, Redmond tore his hamstring midway around the 400 metres semi-final. In agonising pain, the easiest thing would have been to receive medical attention immediately. But aided by his father, Redmond completed the race to a huge ovation in one of the greatest sporting images of all time.