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Man Runs More Than 15,000 Miles Recreating Route From 'Forrest Gump'

Man Runs More Than 15,000 Miles Recreating Route From 'Forrest Gump'

He has spent 409 days running right across the US

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A man has run 15,348 miles across American recreating the route taken by Forrest Gump in the classic movie.

Rob Pope, from Liverpool, spent 409 days running the equivalent of 590 marathons and has become the first ever person to take on the route set by the character in the 1994 film.

Rob, now 39, began his journey on 16 September 2016 in Mobile, Alabama, after spending 15-years planning on doing a run across the States where he's had to deal with freezing temperatures, blistering heat and a number of injuries along the way.

Rob, a veterinarian, said: "I first had the idea to run across America 15 years ago. I thought it would be an incredible way to see a fascinating and beautiful country.

"I'd had a number of half-hearted attempts trying to put a run together, but after watching Forrest Gump one night, I had a light-bulb moment.

"My mum, who unfortunately isn't around anymore, was very aware of our impact on the word and always urged me to 'do one thing in life that makes a difference'.

"I hoped that this run would be an opportunity to do just that - I'm sure she would be very proud.

Caters News Agency

"My girlfriend, Nadine; friends; and family have been hugely supportive - I think they've been half expecting me to do something crazy like this for a while."

As you'd probably expect of someone who was clocking up 40-miles a day, Rob's task wasn't without its struggles and he was hit with a number of injuries on the way, including an inflamed Achilles tendon and quadriceps tear. He also had to deal with the psychological toll of exhaustion.

Despite running several marathons before going to the US, Rob admits he wasn't quite as prepared as he could have been.

"I didn't do any training specifically for the run," he said. "I wish I had done, and maintained more core work.

"You didn't see Forrest doing a Rocky montage in the scenes building up to his run - he just put on his shoes and went. I figured I'd do the same.

Caters News Agency

"The journey has been incredibly difficult - I've had a few major injuries, and even food poisoning, too.

"After my first injury - anterior tibial tendinitis - only 400 miles in, I had a break down in a gas station in front of a poor attendant - I'd put too much into everything to become a failure.

"I had to change my kit five times a day due to the humidity in the deep south, where temperatures reached over 40C.

"And in the colder states, I was wearing five layers of clothes to keep warm in -18C temperatures - even my beard froze.

"The enormity of it all, the repetition and loneliness have been mentally very tough.

"Fortunately though, I was only ever down for short periods, even if illness or injury persisted longer than that.

"As a generally very positive person, I had a strong focus - quitting was never going to be an option."

Rob has had to pause him run while in Arizona to fly home to the UK to be with his partner Nadine who is due to give birth to their daughter next week.

The trio will then be flying back to the States to finish the final 200 miles together.

He said: "I wanted to finish this journey as a family, so I've flown back to be with Nadine for our baby's birth.

Caters News Agency

"So far I've surpassed the supposed number of miles Forrest achieved - 15,248, by about a hundred or so. By the end I'd have run nearly 15,600.

"I think the film - and specifically the character of Forrest - is a beautiful tale of life and how we should treat one another.

"Forrest didn't judge anyone, not on the colour of their skin, background, intelligence or anything else.

"If everyone could be a bit more like Forrest, the world would be a better place.

"I'm running for WWF and Peace Direct, raising £20,000 for them so far, but I hope to continue fundraising until I reach a million.

"This is my attempt to make a difference, just as my mum would've wanted.

Caters News Agency

"I haven't heard from Tom yet, but I have sent him a postcard of the Port Clyde Lighthouse, when I completed my second crossing.

"He's an absolute hero of mine, so I'd love to hear from him.

"I'd love him to finish the final mile with me - wouldn't that be something?"

You can find out more or donate to Rob's causes here. And Tom, if you're reading this, give him a shout, will you?

Featured Image Credit: Caters News Agency

Topics: Inspirational, UK