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Becoming Forrest

One man's epic run across America

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Becoming Forrest

By: Rob Pope
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The remarkable true story of an unrivalled journey to recreate the greatest run in film history: 15,621 miles, five-times across the United States.

‘Rob Pope has made his name revelling in challenges that range from the unconventional to the extraordinary.’ BBC News

Becoming Forrest is the incredible story of Englishman Rob Pope, a veterinarian who left his job in 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. After his momma urged him “to do one thing in life that made a difference”, he flew to Alabama, put on his running shoes, and sped off into the wilderness.

His remarkable journey covered 15,600 miles, the distance from the North to the South Pole and a third of the way back. Over a grueling 18 months, braving injuries, blizzards, forest fires and deadly wildlife, he crossed the United States five times. During one of the most turbulent periods in recent American history, Rob immersed himself in American life. His time on the open road saw him forever changed, trying to make that difference, in the process of Becoming Forrest.

This is a tale of one man who just wanted to make a difference.

 Art North America Personal Development Personal Success Running & Jogging Sports United States Inspiring Thought-Provoking Heartfelt Walking Wilderness Injury
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Critic reviews

‘Rob Pope is a real-life Hollywood superstar!’ Dean Karnazes, author of Ultramarathon Man
‘A simply staggering feat of endurance and storytelling. The tenacity, curiosity and humour of Rob’s amazing journey comes through in every page of this wonderful tale about people, discovery and a very, very long road.’ Mark Beaumont, author of The Man Who Cycled the World
‘With tons of humour Rob Pope takes us into one of the greatest running journeys. Lace up your shoes and enjoy this excellent book!’ Kilian Jornet, runner and author of Above the Clouds
‘What Rob has achieved both physically and mentally is mind-blowing, a true feat of human endurance.’ Tom Evans, Ultrarunner
‘A very readable and entertaining travelogue about an effing extraordinary run.’ Damian Hall, author of In It for the Long Run: Breaking records and getting FKT
‘Most of us watched that scene and thought: cute. Pope watched it and thought: could that be possible? … Like Gump, Pope also experienced what it was like to drift through America when history rears its ugly head. … He brightens people’s day. Pope is serious about running, but, just like Gump, he doesn’t overthink it. Why should someone run? “Because you want to,” he says.’ The Observer
‘A stirring chronicle … What quickly becomes striking — on top of the extreme distance of his runs, often “forty miles every day without rest” — is Pope’s innate curiosity and fascination with the world around him. … This is sure to inspire distance runners as well as those interested in a hearty slice of Americana.’ Publishers Weekly starred review
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Straight from the start this book had me hooked. It may be that the author was the guy reading it so u know it was all from the heart. Having to sort your finances on the hoof repairs to Jenny and Pramsolo as and when needed as well as over 15,621 miles in 422 days of running is one of the biggest running achievements I’ve heard of (5 times across America ) wow. This guys even takes time to help injured animals along the way and isn’t scared to step in when people mis treat them. If you have done any distance running you will understand the mixed feeling you get,but to carry on day in day out makes Rob Pope an absolute icon. He even tells us how he threw some really quick marathon races in at the end. I even shed a tear when he talks of his No1 fan. His mum. Don’t think I’ll find a book to top that

One of the best ever sporting achievements. This book isn’t just for runners. It’s a feel good book

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Beautiful story, kept me company and motivated me on my runs. I can't recommend it enough 😁👍

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This heartwarming and inspiring story of one man who does what others think impossible - to raise money for charity by running across America in real life the distance Forrest ran in Forrest Gump. Filled with the kindness of the strangers he meets it will restore your faith in human beings.

I often don't like writer narrated books as unfortunately their performance doesn't match the quality of their writing but Rob Pope's gentle Liverpudlian voices really enhances the narrative with real emotion as he talks about the highs and lows of his journey.

Heartwarming and inspiring story

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Such a heart warming story delivered by the author which always improves the experience

Loved it

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Enjoyed this book, well narrated and very natural. The story, in parts felt a bit the same but overall a really inspiring one.

Good book overall

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