Winning A Half Marathon...By Accident

In todays video I flew out to Macedonia to race the Skopje Half marathon 2023 with my buddy Kush. The plan was to pace but things didn't quite go to plan. If you enjoy the video please leave a like and consider subscribing for more running related content.
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[@brennus01]

I feel reasonably confident that's the last time Kush ever asks Ben to pace him. Ha!

[@finneas_0710]

haha

[@scouseshamrock2513]

Bro 😂😂😂😂

[@alb.1911]

🤣💀

[@lenkaontherun]

😂😂😂

[@kushtrimtorozi]

Can’t say much than thank you mate, im gonna remember for a long time this trip..till next time inspire to run, run to inspire..see you again soon 🇰🇪

[@davexilly]

How do you feel about inviting a friend to pace you and watching him fuck off into the distance? :D

[@finneas_0710]

Congrats! Well done Kush.

[@eggdressing]

Legend. Well done

[@harvesterz]

Congrats

[@CSRunner7]

I can totally relate. I’m forever winning races by accident 😂

[@BenIsRunning]

All about relatable content me ;)

[@richardhislop-harvestthena4882]

@@BenIsRunning haha I hope this will become relatable for me at some point! Awesome guys!

[@bca-biciclindcuaxel7527]

I got 3rd place by accident this year too :))

[@steadman1969]

I mean, have even actually won the race if it wasn't by accident 😂

[@thechattinbreezepodcast4994]

I came 126th today lol

[@30somethingmike]

I accidentally came close to last in my most recent race, so I can totally relate 🙌 well done and great video. Loving the channel ❤

[@BenIsRunning]

😂😂 hope people can see I’m only kidding with the title

[@30somethingmike]

@@BenIsRunning don’t worry Ben I think you’re ok 😂

[@grgr6720]

🤣🤣🤣

[@MrAsthenia]

Kush seems like a top bloke. Congratulations on the win Ben!

[@BenIsRunning]

He certainly is. A true friend.

[@kushtrimtorozi]

🙌🙌

[@MrAsthenia]

@@kushtrimtorozi congratulations on coming sixth!

[@wandelpassiert8064]

Winning a HM by accident and then filming all the podium action like this is absolutely legendary. The exitement of the audience and the beauty of North Macedonia invites to come to Skopje soon. 🙂

[@jonahhopkins5752]

Feel sorry for Kush as ben was supposed to be pacing him 😂

[@BenIsRunning]

He still hung on for a PB. He was chuffed nonetheless I promise 😂

[@hellomark1]

I mean it sounds like he stuck with their plan, he paced him to 10k and then Ben was goin to see how he felt. I guess he felt pretty good :D Edit: oh dang, I guess he left him at 3k, he was feeling REALLY good

[@ohivedonethat]

@@hellomark1 "aight mate let's go let's do this....Uhm, see you at the hotel OK?"

[@craigsturrock795]

did you watch the video?

[@CED99]

​@craigsturrock795 yeah, Ben sprinted off at 3k 😂

[@Runningwithhayden]

“ I think I’ve won “ 🤣🤣🤣 This is absolutely brilliant. You looked so shocked! You are a massive celeb out there now 💪💪💪 Awesome running buddy

[@gregan78]

Great stuff. I've yet to win a race by accident.....or on purpose!

[@BenIsRunning]

Aha one day you never know

[@teetertotter5787]

Nothing like Macedonian hospitality. I am surprised no brass bands celebrating everyone across the finish line! Heal fast, Kush. You'll get it next time!

[@BenIsRunning]

Indeed, special mention to Marko. Off camera a local subscriber took us out for a awesome dining experience🙌🏻

[@keneadibe4866]

The reception you got at the end of the race was warm and very friendly

[@mikes5764]

😂 I assume you are the first runner in history not knowing he is winning the race while filming himself. Nice to see you are in such a good flow runningwise, let's see what Oxford brings!

[@Ultrarunnerdad]

Loved this, really loved the filming the podium action. The volunteers at the finish taking selfies with you was nice touch too. Well done on the win.

[@debbiepriest8123]

Well done Ben, how great to win the race, especially as it came as a complete surprise, your reaction made me chuckle. Shame that Kush was injured, wishing him a speedy recovery.

[@bobimiloshevski]

Macedonian here 👋 been following your channel for a while. Congrats to you and Kush! 🇲🇰 🎉

[@amandawalker4510]

Fantastic , all the same.. you are such a relaxed easy runner, fabulous style.. so happy for you 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@florianbusch3082]

This is so hilarious, congrats man! Winning by accident 😂🔥

[@igorzingllc7344]

Congratulation Ben, great race/training run for you. I love Skopje race, 2 years ago I made my half PR there, flat fast route. Rest good and prepare for new PR .

[@alfdickinson1971]

Awesome vid, well done Ben! What a great sport your mate Kush is too. Thx for putting this event on the radar.

[@BenIsRunning]

Indeed he is! I’ve got no doubt he’s in shape to run something fast, hopefully he’ll recover quickly 🙌🏻

[@suedfrucht44]

That is the most humble way to win a race 😂 congratulations, well deserved 👏

[@DanielMoves]

The bromance we never knew we needed 🥲 you legend!

[@Warren1970P]

Congrats Ben 👏🏽 great work, keep pushing! You are huge inspiration! 💪🏽

[@wardfreeman]

Congratulations Ben! Take your wins where you can get them. A few decades ago something similar happened to me. When I was 40 y/o I ran a low key marathon planning on running it at a reasonable long tempo run. I was prepping for my target race four weeks out in Nevada. As it turned out I was still with the lead pack at 10 miles and they were all having a difficult time the heat. I decided to try just a little surge, no one went with me and I never looked back. Wound up winning the race overall. My one and only marathon win with 5k splits all within 00:05. Now that pace is a hardish Parkrun pace.

[@ArtiQormemeti]

Pleasure to meet you Ben. See you next year in Skopje again! 😊

[@fabsterun]

Such an amazing bromance and what an insane twist winning it! The medal lady was totally trying to get in on it 😂

[@jacksonm.6549]

That's so generous that you chose to pace him. Great intuition to drop him and go for it! If you can improve your PB by a massive 2 minutes with a relatively comfortable effort, who knows what you'll achieve when you actually push for a PB! Earlier this year I too failed my pacing duties. A good friend wanted to break the 4 hour marathon time, and I volunteered to pace her. I kept us on track until around 40 km when I couldn't push any more and told her to go ahead. She ended up finishing in 4h05. We will try again next year.

[@namebutler]

Nice one Ben. One to remember for along time; you and Kush will have some laughs remembering the race!!!!

[@BenIsRunning]

Indeed! I’m all for running trips like this. Great balance of running, exploring and meeting new people

[@nokwazishezi7580]

Well do Ben I really love your content, lot of love from South Africa ❤️

[@steverichardson1918]

Great stuff Ben, many congratulations!!!

[@TheStammerer-sn3qs]

Nothing you do is by accident - You train hard, are diligent, articulate, a brilliant athlete and an inspiration - all round top bloke!!

[@avoycendeether8869]

I guess that's why the channel isn't called 'Ben is Pacing'.

[@katrinachandler7174]

Massive congratulations Ben! That's amazing! What a surprise finish 🏆 Hope you managed to get the bling home

[@sganton]

Congratulations and well done on your effort!

[@acidklaus2854]

Ditched Kush at 3k. 😂 Savage!

[@davec2496]

3k to go, not 3k from start. 😂

[@michaelcaulfield5884]

@@davec2496 He actually ditched him at 3K from the start. At the first checkpoint (5.4KM) Ben was at 17:24, Kush was 32 seconds behind at 17:56. The gap only got wider throughout the race.

[@davec2496]

@@michaelcaulfield5884I stand corrected! Apologies @acidklaus2854 you were right. Savage indeed! Benisnotpacing 😂

[@martingrey5655]

Awesome to see you both together again after meeting you in Iten. Congratulations on your win and hope Kush recovers from his injury soon!

[@demonater5185]

That place is such a vibe!! Congrats on the win bro. Makes me want to travel there.

[@severiner7168]

Looks like a great trip. I'm sorry Kush wasn't up on the podium with you and I hope he gets better fast. How funny winning a race without realising! Well done

[@Superlux777]

congrats!! we appreciate your videos

[@jordans1712]

That's freaking awesome! Just hangin out watch myself win the half marathon! You the man! Kush is also a man

[@marcinrydzewski3528]

Wooow congrats 👏 this is hell of a story 💪🔝 I'm huge fan Ben 🙌

[@DrProfX]

So awesome, Ben! Congratulations! Paced a friend AND won!!

[@BradleySingerRuns]

you are a machine Ben. nothing like rocking up to a race and then winning it. love it

[@PhilyBowden]

Only you Ben, can accidentally win a race, and then shout out the other runners and your buddy in the winners interview 🥲👏🏼

[@bjboucher6849]

Very funny and very impressive running. I have been injured all year and unable to run so watching BIR is keeping me going!!

[@MihaiGoRunning]

Congrats on the unexpected half marathon win, Ben! What a twist in the race, but you pulled through. Also, great to see you enjoying Macedonia and its views. Keep inspiring with your running adventures! PS: WizzAir has always delays, hehe. following you from Romania - maybe you'll come here at a race too!

[@samwilkinson2833]

Well done Ben!!🎉 Brilliant video as always!

[@BenIsRunning]

Thanks Sam

[@samwilkinson2833]

Thanks for the reply 🙏

[@allheartrc]

Classic! Crossing the tape w a camera!! Well done, Ben!

[@MsTrinichic]

I loved this!!! Had me looking up where Macedonia is lol I loved the hospitality as well. I'm on the other side of the world in Trinidad and Tobago so Ben, seems you have subscribers worldwide.

[@JamesMartin-gl8gg]

Great result Ben, really pleased for you

[@run-watch]

This is great. Love all the hoopla at the finish. Hilarious 🎉. Congratulations on your win.

[@TheFODRunner]

Great job lads, hope kush’s leg heels up soon 👍 see you at Oxford 😉

[@BenIsRunning]

See you there big fella 🤞🏻

[@jamielewis4087]

That's crazy congratulations 🎉

[@matthewmiddleton2141]

Congrats. Well done Ben! 😊

[@matthewcarter7944]

Congrats @benIsRunning on the win! Hope to see you at the Oxford half because i'm racing too. First one for me and only 16

[@ald4425]

WOW Amazing achievement. I bet that must have been a great buzz. Fantastic!

[@danielmcdonald9917]

I love your content Ben, I was hoping I would see you at the Chelmsford half marathon last week but hopefully next time I will see you

[@madridiguy1713]

Congratulations Ben and well done 👍🏼

[@grahamtricker4103]

Great job Ben. Well Done!

[@tq4883]

Awesome job, congrats!🎉

[@nicnak4475]

Well done champ ! 👍 Looks an interesting place.

[@courtneyr.6680]

Nice job!! That is awesome!

[@nakithc]

Kush seems super nice, props for him. Also, Macedonians were so happy to have you, it was nice to see. How did you like Skopje? I have a chance to travel there next month. Congrats on winning!

[@Runsteady]

Congrats on the win! Accident or not what a great achievement!

[@robertmelendez6677]

Winning any race whilst filming is amazing! Congrats!!

[@rilauats]

Ben, you're great! A bonafide half-marathoner when you win a half marathon by accident. Myself turning 60, partially crushed lower back, left ankle keeps dislocating during race -- I'm pretty you also beat me any day. Still, I enjoy running/jogging/walking at the pace I manage. This year's best times are 60 minutes 10K and 02:22 hrs half marathon. I used to run below 40min on 10K without practicing - but that's 40 yrs ago. Keep making more great videos! THX.

[@Genoflesh]

Wow! Loved the POV experience after you crossed the finish line. Congrats Ben \,,/

[@terrycarrington737]

Congratulations, Ben. Speedy recovery, Cush.

[@pantaleondomingo5184]

Congrats Ben stunning run🎉🍻🍻

[@coops111s]

A friend for life there Ben, loved the video and you winning just made it perfect 😀🏆

[@whitestuff10]

I decided to run Copenhagen Marathon after you ran it last year, I think I've just found my autumn half for next year, nice one Ben and Kush.

[@crankgreenwatts]

Well done Ben and great to catch up with a friend from Kenya 🙏

[@eddiegaul1903]

Wow incredible story Ben and looks like you had a good time out there. I had to look to see where Skopje was on a map. Being from the US, I had no idea where it was. Looks like a pretty big event. Must've been cool to see yourself on TV like that too. Proud of you and great recap.

[@JavierISampedroTNF]

Not a bad training run at all, hehe. Congrats Ben! and great short trip to discover a new country.

[@JoannaNoelle-se3sq]

I can understand the lady a little bit and she knew you were a big running youtuber, she was saying it to the man I think. I love Macedonia 💗 I am glad you had fun and congrats to both of you!

[@IBXRunning]

This is awesome haha. You are speed! Congrats!

[@maloxi1472]

I told ya you'd get into elite territory soon 😄 Keep up the training ! That elite start at the London Marathon is closer than you think 😉

[@BenIsRunning]

👀👀👀

[@robertmalseed7376]

Not close to elite level., world elite level is around 58 minutes for senior male athletes, for UK athletes around 60 minutes. Ben wouldn't even figure in the women's UK rankings. So not even at elite women level. I suggest that you need to have a real dose of reality

[@maloxi1472]

@@robertmalseed7376 You need to have a real dose of chill, kid. I'm just encouraging him. I can't do anything for your bitterness, though...

[@robertmalseed7376]

@@maloxi1472 you really need to be realistic with your encouragement.

[@robertmalseed7376]

@@maloxi1472 you are only massaging mediocrity and a fragile ego. If Ben truly wants to be an elite male athlete, he needs to run sub-60 minutes for the half marathon and sub 27:10 for the 10000m., so you should encourage him in that endeavour

[@BigKeith510]

Man that's some legendary stuff right here! Lol. Real cool Ben

[@SwimBikeRunFastest]

Absolutely fantastic and hilarious. Wow what a great story. I drove through Witham yesterday. Im pretty sure i saw some of the famous bir training roads ha ha

[@GabrielLima87]

you guys are a lovely couple, congrats on the win

[@Jonathan-teamslgr]

Nice one Ben 👏🏼👏🏼 well done

[@richardhislop-harvestthena4882]

Bro BRO! MATE! HUGE congrats! Inspiring! I overcame IT band issue and still am so back to starting all over building up a solid Aerobic base! Following you from Fredericksburg, Virginia USA mate! Love it! Do you have a video I can watch on initial training of building up a strong aerobic base? Back in 2006 I ran Cross Country 8k's for my University, but been a long time I had to learn how to overcome IT band syndrome which now I think I have a good plan. Learning how to safely build up a solid weekly milage and areboic base to then train for my first Half Marathon here in Fredericksburg next May 2024!

[@LifeBeautifulMess]

OMG so awesome, congrats!

[@mikestevenson1334]

Ben, that was amazing! Just casually winning a half marathon :D haha loved it. Made me smile :D

[@buyyarm86]

Congrats,Ben!

[@rdswave]

Nice! Good job on winning!

[@khurramkhan4141]

More running with Kush please - top bloke!

[@zombitaly]

I've been watching this with a big smile on my face as if i won it 😂 good luck in Oxford, I ran it couple of years ago, it's a pretty fast course I think you gonna love it.

[@E57HER]

Just awesome Ben!

[@paxundpeace9970]

Awesome race you did great.

[@drdoomconvert]

Bet that was surreal! Well done!

[@beachrunner428]

Wow what a time! With that time you would have won the Hoka Chicago Half marathon i flew up to run last month. Great job.

[@paulhanson1600]

Love it! What an experience! I will do my first international half marathon in Cordoba Spain next month, hope you don't accidentally run there Ben 😂

[@gamerr_06]

Big fan from macedonia hope too see you again next year again

[@escoacorrere]

Wow, amazing run mate!

[@michaelclarke5017]

Well done Ben! Similar thing happened to me a few years ago in a 10k. There was also a 5k at the same time doing one lap. Had no idea all the runners in front were 5k runners and they were all out of sight by the time I did the first lap. There was one runner 10-20m in front when I was on the 2nd lap but it turned out he was bandit who didn't register for the race. So when I came to the line I was really confused to see the tape and, like you, I just assumed they might do it for the top 5 or something. No one congratulated me at the line either so I didn't think anything of it so just went straight home. Only when I checked my time a few hours later did I learn that I had officially won. Missed out on all the podium action and prizes! Other than parkrun it's the only race I've ever run and I highly doubt I'll ever win another one!

[@MuhammedAYDIN]

horrible organisation then :)

[@PandianExpress]

lol

[@totemtv5116]

Really inspiring seeing your experience especially as a first place finisher. I just ran my first half at 2:12:14 and have a lot to improve on but my dream is to one day run the Boston marathon.

[@andremoraes5595]

Great job Ben! You should come to Brasil! You could race Rio’s half marathon! Love your channel!

[@janrunegilde1074]

Very nice vlog:)) i keep following:)

[@Larsjooo]

Great video haha! congrats!

[@gabeduran8321]

ongratz Ben. Well done bloke!!!!!! GG!