Valencia Marathon 2023 - My Proudest Ever Run

[@BenParkes]

Thank you to everyone who has followed along over the previous few years, it's been quite an adventure!! Sarah and me send our very best to you for lovely Christmas and amazing 2024 ahead.. we are super excited to bring you many more adventures next year. Keep on dreaming, talking and getting it done. xx 🤗

[@davidpage8147]

Thanks for sharing a beautiful moment 😊

[@steve3810]

I have never added a comment to any KZbin video, your video is one of the best I have watched You wear your heart on your sleeve Well done Ben & Sarah Getting it DONE 😊

[@hahaheslop]

Love this! I had a horrendous time in lockdown, which really affected all areas of my life and, obviously, running. 🙁 so great to see you back and fighting. 💪💪💪 I did London, Great North Run, Big Half and New York Marathon, its been amazing year. 🙂 doing Paris and Valencia next year, can't wait!!!

[@SteveRuns111]

Well done Ben you are an inspiration 💪🏻

[@surfeno]

You are the man Ben! Goosebump looking at you hitting the finish line. Keep it up bro!

[@conradburdekin722]

What a lovely video Ben. I’d not realised quite how much you’d been through. But that moment when Sarah hurls herself at you - oh man, that got me ❤

[@oliviakillen]

i know. got me too

[@owen-trombone]

Same here. Treasure that woman.

[@tesserwithpaul]

Marry that girl!! ❤

[@giovannitertulli]

You are such an example. I've been following you over the past years, seeing your races, pitfalls, personal struggles and lows. I could not be happier to see you bouncing back and in such a great fashion! You're inspiring, humble and happy, and your experience shows why running is the best medicine out there. Keep going Ben and Sarah, running along with you!

[@johnhanrahan6246]

Didn’t expect to cry watching this but I felt every emotion! Congrats Ben!

[@aliT12345]

Awww really felt that hug from Sarah at the end, had me in tears 😭 Thanks for sharing all the lows so we can celebrate in these running highs with you!!

[@tompatrick795]

Ben, you are such an inspiration to me. I have already opined on this video but it was time for an update. In honour of the new year I decided to apply for the Valencia marathon December 1, 2024. I am excited and nervous. I will try to do you proud and go sub 4:00. Thanks for everything and all the best in 2024.

[@waynestevens5]

I am not crying! You are! Followed you for years… my heart broke when your ankle broke and you having hernia op gave me the courage to get mine sorted… I have not been right since my ankle break but your videos have helped keep me motivated. I am sure you get comfort from us viewing your videos and liking and buying products… 👏👏👏

[@thebullfighter6733]

Goes to show how far a positive mindset and patience can go. Never a frown, never a poor me, always smiles and fun and trying to show people that it’s about the journey and not just the results. If anything this is a true testament to your love for the sport and your character.

[@TheWeightliftingTriathlete]

05:44 It's me! This was my favourite video of yours ever. I thought I understood how difficult the last few years had been but I had no idea of the significant impact and challenges you've had. It's amazing that you've battled through that, continued entering races as well as changing your approach when things weren't going your way. So many life lessons (and fitness ones too) that we can all learn there! So happy to see you've achieved your goal with the time and qualifying for the entry for London. Thank you for being so open with it all. Thanks also to Sarah for the great editing work and support she gives you. Merry Christmas and have a great 2024!!! Gary.

[@LashanR]

As someone who's relatively new to the channel I had no idea you've been going through all these hardships the last few years - what a phenomenal comeback!! Well done

[@ingagade951]

This video I must make a comment to you Ben. I had finished my first marathon in 2017 in Berlin and the fate was that I then may accept to have a stomi put into me in 2019 and as if that wasnt enough I broke my right leg just an inch below my hip in 2020 and was set back in my dearest passion running. I now is getting 62 years old and time is coming up being more and more with values and I have now been treining myself up to being able to run 10 km without pauses and just have completed a 10 km race and in a reasonable time of 1.18 and I just am so so happy and lucky that my fate is shining with some light again. I am not able to run more marathons in this life but I am gratefull that I can run again. Everyone runs with their legs and the goals are different from person to person. Everything is individual. Everything. But great to see that you got a sub 2.40 maraton again Ben. Congratulations from me. Inga DK.

[@Stentordoc]

Thank you for reminding me: this is why I run. Congratulations!!!!!!

[@planco]

Why am I crying while watching running channel? Incredible story, I hope you do get how big inspiration for many people you are. I was 31y old couch potato 4 months ago and thanks to you now when I go few days without running I am missing it. And on days I do not have motivation to get out and run I just click on random video of yours while getting into running gear and I leave my flat pumped up for run thanks to yours energy.

[@samdking]

Truly inspiring stuff Ben. I lost it when Sarah greeted you at the end. Wonderful storytelling.

[@chinpoeykhoo6261]

This is definitely one of the best videos from Ben or even across running videos I've seen, I couldn't imagine the roller coaster for the past few years you have endured and finally able make it back to sub 240. Merry Christmas and I bet this is gonna be one of the best Xmas present you gave to yourself and enjoy London Marathon 2024, let's keep running no matter what is your current body condition because running makes us feel alive!

[@jorgeacevedo7934]

Congratulations Ben! Just ran my first sub 2 hour half marathon. I have my next one in Las Vegas in about 8 weeks. I’m going for 1:45:00. It’s all because of you inspiring me. Merry Christmas.

[@kjc83]

Phenomenal effort Ben and huge congratulations for all your hard work paying off! I've been an A&E nurse for nearly 20 years and the power of good mental health just can't ever be underestimated. You've been through a lot, and it was lovely to see your face as you knew you had secured a sub-2:40. Well done. I'll hopefully see you in London for the marathon (at the Expo though, as I'll be starting waaaaayyyyy behind you!!!) in search of my own sub-4hr time!!!

[@eddiecasey3310]

Well done Ben ,I’ve been watching since pre Covid when you were flying & have witnessed your journey with injuries ,great to see you kept the faith & got back to a serious level again ! I did a 2:59 in Amsterdam in 2021 for the first time & was looking forward to a sub 3 in Dublin in 2022 & qualified for New York but picked up a hamstring tendenopathy in early 2022 while setting great pb,s & haven’t been able to run hard since but I’ve dug in the last 9 months & im back running & there might be light at the end of the tunnel ! New York deferral in 2024 maybe 🤞 Great videos Ben ,stay strong !

[@topinjs]

Congrats, Ben!🎉 Nicely done! Didn’t realise that we’ve had similar paths - I wrecked my health in 2018 chasing a sub 2:35 PB and haven’t really gotten back to my past form. Then at the time of covid panic attacks and depression and finally this year my first sub 3h marathon at Tokyo after what felt like eternity. Now a two year plan to build mileage for a sub 2:40 in 2025. Either at London or Chicago. Thanks for inspiration that it isn’t just a dream.

[@Dan-B36]

I’ve been waiting for this video Ben. That hug at the end of the race got me right in the feels. Way to work for it and get it done. Thanks for this.

[@nberkel]

Oddly enough the very first video I saw from you was when you posted your first Valencia Marathon recap. Little did I know what kind of adventures we were in store for through the years to come. Such an inspiration man!

[@ddelany9921]

The Sarah hug hit me hardest 💕 Well done Ben, but of course! 😻

[@jesseshieldsruns]

Thank you for talking about your vulnerability Ben. I too, have had some small panic attacks while running. I had heart surgery to repair a large hole that was there since birth in 2020, and every time I run I can’t help but worry about my heart although it’s now repaired, I still find myself thinking about the worst outcome on my long runs so I can relate to you on that. It is getting better, and I went 2:58 in my first ever full marathon this past October, but I just want you to know you are not alone. Great job, keep up the good work.

[@50Something]

I was wondering how this went Ben! The biggest challenge in all of this is that you went through all these personal ups and downs in front of a community of 150k followers which only made things way tougher. Occasionally some haters creeped through the woodwork and said some very hurtful things in the comment section and I applaud you for staying focused. A huge congrats for the inspiring example of "Getting it done"

[@deandunnachie703]

Well done Ben can see how much that means to you 👏🏻👏🏻

[@ethankilgore9860]

Sarah jumping into your arms right as you're talking about her - I just started sobbing

[@notoriousrjg]

Casual viewer of your channel here. You’ve always been such a badass in my mind, so it was extra meaningful to see you put yourself out there in this video with respect to your mental health. Amazing work grinding back to sub 2:40!

[@tenchmagic]

Wow ! Super emotional watching the end when you find Sarah . I love your openness and honesty speaking about your physical and mental struggles the last few years. I hope you know that you are inspiring untold numbers of people by doing that. Love this channel. Big love to you both !!

[@Zero_Reflect]

Love you ben

[@OhWowAshDoesThings]

Teared up at the moment you found Sarah after the marathon - you're both such wonderful supports for each other and it's bloody gorgeous to see! Congrats on the rebuild Ben, you'll have the joy and relief from this Valencia Marathon in the mental inventory when the going gets tough in the future.

[@jppneves]

Ben, what a great sharing and true emotion coming out! I think this is why sports are so powerful either running or any other form. I can totally relate and understand. That grind and resilience is what this is all about, always one step further on being stronger. I have a big mantra which is Hard Work Pays Off. You are the proof of it. And lastly, we can never go long alone. Sarah and your community keep you grounded 🙏🏼 Keep rocking 💪🏼

[@timothyfrusciente3601]

Thank you so much for sharing this Ben. Such an inspiration and to see the joy on your face at the finish line was truly moving . And that moment when Sarah hugged you, let’s just say I shed some tears with you . I have some big goals myself for the next couple years that right now don’t seem achievable, but I will use this video as motivation that maybe i can actually get it done !

[@KeriFisher]

Amazing video, Ben!! Congrats on the sub-2:40!!! Super inspirational stuff. I actually saw your video of you running Valencia last time, and it looked so beautiful that I HAD to run it myself. I was there this year (much slower and towards the back of the pack - 4:01:46 - chip time), but it was such an amazing experience. I completely agree about how fantastic Valencia and Spain are. I will never forget the experience!!!

[@debrascott8775]

Just a joy to see you back in fit form. Thank you for sharing the highs and lows. We are all behind you, cheering!!

[@andyh8625]

The video I've been waiting for! Congrats on your Valencia time and a massive thankyou for sharing the journey, the highs and the lows, this gives real inspiration to people going through the same sort of struggles that there is light at the end of the tunnel and no matter how hard it is, the success will be worth it in the long run. As you said in one video recently, you have to have the lows if you want the highs! Wishing you and Sarah the best Christmas ever!

[@japanesemeandmyfamily145]

The power of running and movement. Well done Ben. Never give up on yourself. Running is an amazing tool for battling with mental health struggles. I had a really tough time through 2020-22 but knew that if I continued to move my body and run I could get through the other side. Last weekend I ran the Abu Dhabi Marathon in 3:01:12 it was only second marathon and my first marathon in 16years. London 2007 being the last time. I am looking forward to attacking 2024 and hope to toe the line at Copenhagen in May. I felt really emotional watching you and Sarah embrace at the end. Amazing Ben you put in so much hard work I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more. 🙏🏼

[@jimmp6005]

That feeling still the same when i see your post on strava back then.. now watching this it still give the same feeling

[@jamesbutwithglasses]

The fact that you had physical injuries and mental health challenges makes your journey so much more relatable and inspiring!!! Especially for those of us that aren't quite at your level. Knowing that even elite runners deal with the same issues helps motivate us to keep pushing. Congrats on your success!!!

[@schneckirella]

Ben, you're amazing! The hug from Sarah had me in tears. Phenomenal come back. 2020 is also the year my bad karma with injuries started. Broke my foot 2 times (in 2020 and 2021) and eventually had a stupid accident and broke my ankle and tore the side ligaments as well last year. Since then I could run short distances very slowly and I have ankle pain all the time. It's just sad but this video gives me hope that one day I can get back on track to the level of 2020.

[@jimp9991]

Impossible to watch without tearing up. Congrats Ben (and support team Sarah, you’ve had a great year yourself). Happy Christmas to you both! - John, Toronto 🇨🇦 🇬🇧

[@JoacimO]

I found your channel during Covid when I started running so I never got to experience those previous highs. But I've seen your struggles through the years and it's been both heart breaking and inspiring. So happy you finally made it! Congrats!

[@anand54322]

I’ve gone through a knee surgery and it was mentally taxing for me to go through the recovery process and get back to my running form. I can totally understand how painful it must have been, and how happy it must have been to conquer everything and come out with beating your goal. Kudos to you Ben and Sarah🎉. Lots of love to you both ❤😊

[@nickflemming-nichol908]

Great run Ben, really happy for you. I've had a similarly crappy time with running in recent years, injuries stopping me since 2013. Back at it this year, raced Leeds Abbey Dash 10k and got a 36:28, only 29 seconds off a PB. I felt those emotions again watching your video! I look forward to watching you cross that UTMB finish line too whenever that may be!

[@TheFODRunner]

What a Journey! Buzzing for you, so deserved after your ankle… 2024 will be a big year!

[@JohnFellows-o6h]

Amazing Ben, sat here with tears, I’m just starting my own training block and watching you I feel I could run through a brick wall , you’re such an inspiration, I will reach my goal just like you, thank you

[@irunoffroad]

Inspirational Ben … never give up. The smile on your face says it all.

[@chrisjones3101]

I was in tears before Sarah rushed up to hug you but that moment was something else. I could feel all the emotion. Thank you for sharing it all-the ups and the downs. You don’t know how much your videos have helped me as I recovery from ankle surgery myself. Congrats and Merry Christmas to you both. Keep getting it done.

[@trevballard5006]

Been the same with so many set backs in life that have affected my fitness and running, I'm determined to get back to where I was when I used your training plans to reach my running goals and I'll never take running for granted again it's a gift to be able to run

[@rachelshirley8403]

The stoke Ben! What an inspiration to us all. Never Give UP! Awesome awesome awesome!!!

[@lutfizakhour]

I’m not crying, you are! Well done Ben! Your openness in this beautiful struggle is real, and I feel you in so many ways! Thank you for sharing and keep it going!

[@davebelcher8374]

So happy for both of you! The joy, love, pride, and peace of that embrace brought tears to my eyes. Your perseverance and refusal to be dissuaded from your dreams, in spite of all evidence to the contrary is a lesson and an inspiration to all of us who share your passion for running and more importantly, your human frailty. Thank you

[@clairhardywynn5620]

😅 me crying ?! Oh man when Sarah flung her arms around you ……. ur amazing Ben, ur strength of character just shines, thanku for sharing ur highs and ur lows candidly, ur a true inspiration both personally and athletically …. Many many congratulations Ben 🫶

[@RobertBenda]

Thank you. for being so honest about the mental health aspect of your struggles. It means a lot to me as a person with endless energy who has gone from 25 miles a week to zero because of Long COVID.

[@eskimokid]

Wow, what a race and what a video! You’ve always been such a pivotal part of my running journey, inspiring me with your own running journey, the ups and downs and everything else in between. It’s been difficult seeing how you’ve struggled over the last few years but your grit and determination to be your very best no matter what has been inspirational, and to see you achieve one of your own big goals again is amazing and very well deserved. I can safely say this is the first running video that has ever brought tears to my eyes! Well done Ben - good luck in London!

[@russamehta]

I’m thrilled for you. What a wonderful video. And that hug just had me in tears.

[@MrJermson]

I just can't say enough. Thru the years, you have taught us so much about running and provided us with so much inspirations. Thank you and congrats!

[@ImmigrantMentalityPodcast]

Ben you're an inspiration. Been watching your videos for years always helped me stay disciplined. Would love to have you on the show one day. All the best for the new year - Rhys

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Hi Ben & Sarah, you are amazing. You have done so amazingly to fight back to the start line and then qualified for championship start line at London absolutely incredible. I will hopefully see you there I’m running for National autistic charity for my son. I suffer with panic attacks and have anxiety from traumatic childhood. I’ve run all my life because it’s the best drug for me. You are both a inspiration love your videos Never stop. Thank you

[@adamcouchman7746]

Thank you so much for this video. I’ve just gotten back into running after a two year break for different yet also similar reasons. I’ve been wanting to get going again for months but couldn’t do it. Just in the last two weeks I’ve managed to get going again slowly. Seeing that moment of the two of you embracing had me weeping but also imagining the same thing for myself. I’m going to do it. I’ve registered for a marathon next year and I’m going to get it done. Thank you so much again.

[@brianafischer]

I broke my ankle 2 years ago and your injury recovery videos gave me hope I could return to running. I’m going into my second surgery soon for hardware removal and this video was just the inspiration I needed to keep hope one day I will return to running.

[@runningwithmarc]

So great to see this, determination and courage. Well done Ben and Sarah on this.

[@HitmanConan]

Ben! Congratulations! You did it! Thank you for inspiring us all! I started watching your channel when I started taking running seriously in 2021 and I finished my first marathon in 3:58. I'm running my second in April and my goal is to qualify for Boston in three years! Thank you!

[@dazdarren9926]

Big Congrats on Valencia and for all your success in 2023. Those scenes with you and Sarah at the end of the race were so touching!

[@krischan23]

I never comment on KZbin but always enjoy your videos. This one just hit me right in the feels. Up there with Kofuzi’s first sub-3 even! Lots of love to you Ben for bringing us along on your journey and for being open with your struggles. You are a true inspiration! ❤

[@kakes1975]

Thanks for being true to yourself always Ben and helping so many people who find it hard to get and stay motivated. Thanks for the keeping the camera rolling when Sarah met you after the race. That’s what it’s all about. Pure emotion and delight. Merry Christmas to all out there and let’s get it done in 2024!!!

[@tomharvey-run]

Awsome recovery from your low points. Sub 2:40 is well and truly back in the game. Running is the gift that keeps giving. I’’m aiming for sub 2:40 for Berlin ‘24 around other projects. Let’s see..

[@TheRichKeeble]

Amazing Ben - inspiring as always. Sorry to learn about all the struggles but great to see you're on the other side of it and presumably on your way to being back at 2:20. I got a bit emosh at the end x

[@Nik-y7x]

Congrats from Russia! Very well done! You made my morning brighter! I am so happy for you!

[@Rosherrim]

Congratulations Ben! Your videos are helping so many others facing mental and physical health challenges to find the courage to keep chasing their goals. I ran my first marathon this year, thanks to your training plan. Merry Christmas Ben and Sarah 😊

[@easytakeoven]

I’ve been on KZbin for years and I can’t ever remember experiencing this type of catharsis while watching a video. Thank u for being blatantly authentic.

[@MrMyMRI]

So happy for you. So impressive. I can not imagine running so fast, but that's not the reason why I was enjoying your channel. It shows in every clip that you really enjoy the sport.

[@fatrunner]

Great video Ben, so happy for you. Managed to hold it together till I saw Sarah run over and hug you then I started crying. I started running in May 2020. Heard of your channel shortly after purely by someone recommending your running caps. My first proper event was Big Half 2021 and I saw you and Sarah in the crowd and said hi. In March 22 I finally got under 2 hours for a half marathon using one of your training plans. This year I ran the London Marathon in under 5 hours. Since then my running has massively dropped off due to life events and sickness. You've given me the inspiration to get back on it, I've booked a race for March, let's get this done!!!

[@paulhanson1600]

Well done Ben, for some reason i thought you guys could knock out 2:40s for fun!! I really love running in Spain as well, had a brilliant half marathon in Cordoba in Nov got a PB. Thinking of a Spanish marathon at some point. Of course my one marathon in London in April was the best of my life (only been running 3yrs)

[@ZeeShaanJamal]

Congratulations!!! this is a lovely story of resolve, consistency, determination & faith - of both yours & Sarah's 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@anjakonter2138]

Congratulations Ben, very happy for you 🎉 We were there to cheer the runners on (for the 4th year!), Valencia is a special place, we love it.

[@TheSloanlogic]

Ben you are probably the only YTuber I enjoy because there's just an honesty that's pure. Life is truly a marathon full of ups and downs. I'm so impressed with your perseverance and willingness to share your journey. Here's to to Valencia and to 2024!

[@GrumpyOldEd]

Great to hear your back where you want to be, Ben. Just damn well enjoy the feeling. Have been through some MH stuff myself as a young man. It's shitty but when you come out the other side you have found your better self. Whatever happens from here on in, you'll always be stronger, wiser and better able to cope. Brill for you to have the support of Sara! Happy 2024

[@stijno9460]

Yes Ben!!!!! Amazing! And so deserved. Hard work pays of, always! Never forget that💪🏻

[@parkersdogbite4785]

Great effort Ben. I'm watching this Christmas morning about 05.30 am what a lovely present this story was for me .Thank you

[@kimbastian7845]

Huge congrats Ben!!! 👏🏼🥳 Been following you since the 2:25 and it’s so great to see how you tackled everything 💪🏼

[@Nikunj573]

So so proud of you Ben. Many congratulations to you and Sarah. I've been a long term follower and absolutely know tour journey from 2018 to Valencia 2.25 to this. I'm so happy for you ❤

[@dansnipe4835]

Best video I seen I have had a horrible time with injuries this year Injured from August doing a 16.47 5k First day back from injury on December 12th i broke my multiple ribs and my wrist on my run back videos like this gives me a good boost

[@juliana8113]

Well done pal - you're a big inspiration to a lot of people. There's no shame in mental health struggles, same as there's no shame in physical health struggles. All the best for 2024

[@jimcotton5005]

Fantastic video Ben, and such a great achievement. I think anyone who watches this will be so stoked for you. Your ethic, commitment, and emotion is inspiring 🙌

[@costinbirca66]

You’re an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story, both the good and bad parts, and for taking us along with you. 3h02s for me at Valencia this year, going back next year for revenge. London marathon is just a dream for me, it’s almost impossible to enter for non-British people.

[@lenkaontherun]

Awwww, I'm not crying, you are! Congratulations, Ben! What an amazing journey!

[@lwizzard8742]

Amazing. Brings tears to my eyes. Better get out for my run now after watching that.

[@stephspeight]

Woop! Not much of a commenter, but was right there with you for this one, well done Ben.

[@georgenewton3979]

The honesty and integrity in this video are truly amazing. I’m a 60 year old who has lost 5st by starting running over the past ten months and have taken so much inspiration from you and Sarah! This was an emotional watch but I loved every minute. Well done Ben!

[@divewithadrienne]

I have stupid shin splints right now and been so frustrated about not being able to run THIS WEEK, afraid my body is too weak to run my 2 half marathons next month. You have given me so much hope. Thank you. Always rooting for you!

[@anandkrishnan7997]

Thank you for this video Ben. Your struggles were important and your brave decision to share your vulnerability really helps out runners like me. I’m also training for a marathon absolutely loved this video, keep them coming! Finally all the best for London marathon!

[@mikehobbs624]

Congratulations Ben. That was really emotional, you never gave up, be proud of what you achieved 👏. Merry Christmas 😀

[@stanphilos7379]

Congratulations, Ben! 🎉 Very inspirational, emotional and well deserved. Wishing you all the best from Germany.

[@cuddles1140]

Congratulations Ben! I remember 3 years ago what you went through. Now I'm so happy for you. One day you'll run sub 2:25:00

[@BruceJackson-SEOCoach]

Amazing Job Ben!! Congrats from bottom of my heart- Goose bump moments. Have a great 2024 both of you!

[@ImamotoTieme]

I have been waiting for this video for a while... And guess what? I am in tears 😢🎉😂❤ congrats Ben.. You rock 😎😎and you definitely deserve it 🎉🎉

[@carolynolsen6988]

There's nothing better than seeing a runner accomplish their goal. Congratulations!

[@LunaBearFoxyRoxy]

I'm so very happy and proud of you Ben. We as a community were never in doubt that you would reach your goals again. There's to a happy, healthy 2024 and beyond. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@damianschogger]

Phenomenal! Incredibly inspiring to see you overcome injury and mental health challenges...and then a championship-qualifying time! Superb!!!

[@StephenCurry-cz1zy]

Superb video Ben! Time really past by so fast since the days of your injury. In a blink of an eye I’ve finished 2 years of military training and so much more. I’ll always support you at every step of the way Ben. Never ever give up on your goals and dreams and I know one day you’ll get back to your peak fitness again. All the best Ben🫶🏻🫶🏻