Join us for an inspiring evening with Rob Pope at Bangor University!
Becoming Forrest: one man’s epic run across America (5 times!)
Bangor University is delighted to welcome Rob Pope, the man who took on the extraordinary challenge of recreating the greatest run in film history, an epic 15,621-mile journey across the United States, five times over, the distance from the North to the South Pole and a third of the way back.
A veterinarian from Liverpool, Rob left his job behind to pursuit of a dream: to become the first person ever to complete the epic run undertaken by one of Hollywood’s most beloved characters, Forrest Gump.
Over a gruelling 18 months he braved injuries, blizzards, forest fires and met fascinating characters along the way. He immersed himself in American life and learned more than he ever imagined.
But Rob’s achievements don’t stop there. Not only can he run far, he can run fast. He was crowned Australian marathon champion in 2015. Since completing his Forrest Gump challenge, Rob has run across Ireland in 24 hours, and completed 24 Parkruns in a single day.
‘Rob Pope has made his name revelling in challenges that range from the unconventional to the extraordinary.’ BBC News
In the film, Forrest Gump was asked by a newsreader ‘Are you doing this for the homeless? Are you running for women's rights? Or for the environment? Or for animals?’ He replied ‘I just run’. Rob ran for all of those causes, raising money along the way for meaningful charities. His talk at Bangor University will continue his mission, raising funds for WWF.
Tickets are free, but we would greatly appreciate donations for WWF at this link. We suggest a donation of £10 to help WWF bring our world back to life.
John Parkinson, Professor of Behavioural Psychology at Bangor University and organizer of Bangor’s unique ‘run a marathon’ module said “Running is not just about exercise. We evolved as runners and it has shaped human development. It is a mindset, a way of understanding the world, and a way of life. Running in the wild helps build empathy and compassion for the natural world and biodiversity”.
Julia Jones, Professor of Conservation Science at Bangor University and a trustee of WWF said “I met Rob on a WWF fundraising walk across the Isle of White (VERY tame for him but hard work for the rest of us). I was fascinated by his incredible story and am delighted to have the chance to hear him share it properly, while at the same time raising money for a brilliant cause close to both our hearts.”
This talk isn’t not just for those interested in wildlife conservation and biodiversity, or for running enthusiasts, it’s for anyone curious about modern America in all its complexity and diversity. Rob Pope’s journey took him through every corner of the country, offering a unique firsthand perspective on the landscapes, communities, and challenges that define the U.S. today. It’s a story of endurance, discovery, and the people who make America what it is.
Don’t miss this chance to hear about an adventure that goes beyond miles.
More information:
https://goingthedistancerun.com/
Rob Pope
