The real Forrest Gump
Vet recreates film hero’s epic run across US... and becomes a dad on the way
IN the classic film, Forrest Gump goes for a jog one day – and just keeps running and running.
But while Tom Hanks merely had to film the character’s epic journey criss-crossing America, British vet Rob Pope is on the brink of achieving it for real.
Inspired by the hero of the 1994 Oscar winning film, he even began his adventure dressed like Gump, in a plaid shirt and shorts. Eighteen months and 15,348 miles later, he has grown a bushy brown beard – just like the character – but switched to more appropriate running kit.
Having jogged across the US four times, Mr Pope, 39, is close to completing his fifth crossing, always accompanied by cheers of ‘run, Forrest, run!’
But he is currently back in Britain as his partner Nadine is due to give birth later this month.
‘I first had the idea to run across America 15 years ago,’ he said. ‘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 girlfriend, friends and family have been hugely supportive – I think they’ve been half-expecting me to do something crazy like this for a while.’
Mr Pope, from Liverpool, said the ambitious plan of retracing Gump’s steps while aiming to raise £1million for charity was partly inspired by his late mother.
‘My mum was very aware of our impact on the world and always urged me to do one thing in life that makes a difference,’ he said.
‘I hoped that this run would be an opportunity to do just that. I’m sure she would be very proud.’
Beginning in Mobile, Alabama, on September 16, 2016, aged 38 – the same as Hanks when he portrayed the character – Mr Pope set out on the journey that would see him travel the equivalent of
‘I’ve run 590 marathons’
more than 590 marathons. Averaging 40 miles a day, he has battled the challenges of blistering heat, relentless rain and treacherous snow, raising more than £20,000 so far for his chosen charities, World Wildlife Foundation and Peace Direct.
Despite suffering a series of major injuries – and going through 20 pairs of trainers – he has run 15,348 miles in 409 days, ticking off many landmarks from the film.
Along the way he has slept on sofas or in motels, surviving largely on a diet of junk food to save money and pushing his meagre possessions in a pram.
But he’s always managed to keep his spirits up: ‘As a generally very positive person, I had a strong focus – quitting was never going to be an option.’
Speaking of the character’s appeal, he added: ‘I think the film, and specifically Forrest, is a beautiful tale of life and how we should treat one another.
‘If everyone could be a bit more like Forrest, the world would be a better place.’ Once he resumes his route in Arizona, just 200 miles will be left before he crosses the finish line.
And when his daughter arrives, the whole family plan to fly back to the US so she can see her father complete his unique achievement.
But one other aspiration remains unfulfilled for now – he still hopes for a message of support from the Hollywood star who inspired him.
He said: ‘I haven’t heard from Tom yet, but I have sent him a postcard of Marshall Point Lighthouse, Maine, when I completed my second crossing.
‘I’d love him to finish the final mile with me – wouldn’t that be something?’