Real life Forrest Gump: man runs the USA to do charity –

(Twitter reproduction/@runroblarun)

One of the most outstanding characters in Tom Hanks’ career was Forrest Gump, a man famous for having crossed the United States running. The film is from 1994, but it still continues to influence many people’s lives. Among them, the Englishman Robert Pope, who decided to repeat Forrest’s feat – only in real life.

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At the age of 38, the veterinarian from Liverpool, England, is following the same route as the iconic movie character. The race started in the state of Alabama – where Gump was born – and headed towards California, passing through New Mexico, Texas and Tennessee. In total, Pope has already run more than 9,000 kilometers and, like Forrest, wears a red cap and has grown a long beard.

But why is he doing this? It’s not out of pure fanaticism – despite having already watched the film ten times and almost 100 times the specific scene of the race across American territory. Robert wanted to raise money for important causes. So far, he has raised $11,200, which will go to The World Wildlife Fund and Peace Direct.

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After seven months running, the Briton doesn’t intend to stop anytime soon. He is currently running towards the Marshall Point Lighthouse, in the state of Maine, where he hopes to arrive by the end of the week. From there, he heads to Chicago, with an expected arrival in June.

So, would you face this challenge?