Rob Pope is a runner with a difference; channelling a famous movie character for his inspiration.
The Liverpudlian vet today ran the London Marathon dressed head to toe as the endearing and eternally quotable Forrest Gump.
According to the BBC, Rob finished the marathon in an incredible 2 hours and 36 minutes, doing Forrest proud while smashing the world record for the fastest film star costume.
Kind-hearted Rob raised money for Peace Direct as well as the World Wildlife Fund, but this is far from his first outing as Tom Hanks’ most beloved character…
Rob has already become the very first person to complete the iconic route run by heartbroken Forrest during the classic tearjerker – clocking up 15,348 miles.
Personally, I can just about hack twenty minutes on the treadmill. So I am in complete awe of Rob, who completed the equivalent of 590 marathons in only 409 days.
Speaking to UNILAD back in 2017, Rob explained how it all began:
The Forrest idea came about in the process of planning as I’d wanted to do as well as possible for my two charities, the World Wildlife Fund and Peace Direct.
In the film, when Forrest runs over the Mississippi for the fourth time, he gets chased by reporters who ask him why he is running. He’s asked if he’s running for world peace, the homeless, women’s rights, the environment or animals.
My two charities encompass all of these things and they blow me away and provide a great source of motivation every time I read about their work. I just want to help how I can.
He added:
My mum, who unfortunately died a few years ago told me to do one thing in my life that made a difference and well, this is it!
No one has ever done this run before, in fact, three days ago I became the first person EVER to run across America three times in a year and I’m still going.
Forrest was a great character and didn’t judge anyone, always had time for people and I try and act that way myself, so it all fit.
Check out more about Rob below:
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People following the London Marathon have expressed their sincere admiration for the charitable runner over social media, praising his drive and determination.
Fundraiser and Pride of Britain winner, George Mathias, tweeted:
Congratulations to my friend and running mate Rob Pope @runroblarun for finishing the marathon in 2 hours 36 then getting back on a plane to run across America. Rob you are AMAZING!!
Another impressed person said:
Wow Rob Pope!!!
Currently doing the Forest Gump film run of running across America 5 times, just took time out from that epic feat and just smashed the London Marathon in 2hrs 36mins.
Amazing stuff.
What can we expect next from this super speedy hero? Competitive Ping-Pong? A lucrative shrimping business?
What we do know is Rob is living his life to the absolute fullest, just like his fictional hero.
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via stories@unilad.co.uk
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.