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Man To Take On 156-Mile Marathon Dressed As Forrest Gump

Man To Take On 156-Mile Marathon Dressed As Forrest Gump

The Marathon Des Sables has been branded one of the toughest races in the world

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

For most people the idea of running is truly awful - God invented cars for a reason - but one man is pushing it to extremes by running 156 miles.

Oh, and he's doing it dressed as Forrest Gump.

Brit Rob Pope is set to embark on the challenge of a lifetime by taking part in the gruelling Marathon Des Sables, a race across the Sahara Desert, branded one of the toughest in the world.

The dad-of-one is no stranger to daring feats, however, and has been dressing up as the iconic movie character for the past 18 years, raising thousands for the WWF and Peace Direct in the process.

Two years ago the veterinarian ran 15,700 miles across the United States but despite being hampered by injury, he says he's ready and raring to go.

Guinness World Record holder Rob said: "I first got the idea of dressing as Forrest Gump as he was a character who is loved by everyone.

"In the film, you realise the amazing things he has done and the incredible strength he has - and he doesn't complain once.

Rob is set to take on one of the world's toughest races.
Caters

"I am really excited to take part but I am also a little bit sad because I only trained for four weeks, while usually people train for this race for six months.

"I will try to enjoy it though - for me the most important thing is to take part and finish and run as fast as I can."

But as well as running through a desert in the searing heat, participants have to carry all of of their food and water for the entire journey.

Rob will set off on Sunday (7 April) and - if he manages to make it across the finish line - should return to fiancée Nadine Strawbridge and one-year-old daughter Bee in the UK on 15 April.

The dad-of-one is no stranger to tough challenges and previously ran across the United States.
Caters

The Scouser previously raised £37,000 for charity during his run across 43 states of the US, which took 422 days, before getting down on one knee and proposing to long-term girlfriend Nadine at the finish line.

The 40-year-old said he wants to carry on supporting causes close to his heart and thinks Forrest Gump, who was played by Tom Hanks in the 1994 movie, is the perfect example for people to live their lives by.

He added: "I think Forrest Gump - 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. Doing this is my attempt to make a difference.

"I haven't heard from Tom [Hanks] yet, but he's an absolute hero of mine, so I'd love to hear from him."

Run, Forrest, run! (Sorry).

Featured Image Credit: Caters/Paramount Pictures

Topics: SPORT, World News, UK News, TV and Film, Interesting, US Entertainment