Becoming Forrest cover art

Becoming Forrest

One man's epic run across America

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Becoming Forrest

By: Rob Pope
Narrated by: Rob Pope
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About this listen

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.

©2021 Rob Pope (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Personal Development Personal Success Running & Jogging Travel Writing & Commentary Outdoor Inspiring Thought-Provoking Heartfelt Walking Wilderness Injury

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Critic reviews

"The real Forrest Gump, bringing a legendary fiction to life with 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)

"Rob Pope is a real-life Hollywood superstar!" (Dean Karnazes, author of Ultramarathon Man)

"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)

"Rob Pope has made his name revelling in challenges that range from the unconventional to the extraordinary." (BBC News)
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Not only is Rob inspirational but a brilliant writer and he is also a wonderful story teller. From the very start he invites you on his adventure and he make you feel like you are one of the many friends he makes on his awesome journey, from the moment he steps foot in the USA you are with him every step of the way on his incredible run. It is a true test of one mans will to succeed on what at times feels like an impossible mission. You find yourself willing Rob on come on you can do it. This is a book for everyone whether you are a runner or not it’s a tale of love, hardships, friendships forged through adversity, and bloody mindedness to get the job done. It’s an amazing story of how a wonderful Scoucers kind and thoughtful demeanour and disarming Smile can crack the hardest and toughest of hearts. This is a 10 out of 10 book for me and I would whole heartedly recommend it to anyone.

Becoming Forrest is a outstanding inspirational story for everyone not just runners

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

Loved it

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Remarkable feat beautifully told, describing one man ‘making a difference’ and his encounters along the way. Ron’s affection and enthusiasm shine through this story and his eye for the natural world adds real local colour to his experiences
Anyone who thinks his accent is strong has clearly never actually been to Liverpool!

Incredible story, beautifully told

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Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to anyone, runner or non-runner alike. Extremely honest showing the highs and lowes.

Also really rate Rob in his podcast with redbull if people want to hear more incredible achievements.

Fantastic book, brilliant from start to finish!

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A truly awe inspiring tale that melts the heart and cleanses the soul in equal measure. You will go through the full range of emotions as you join a man whose humour matches his humility and whose kindness and caring matches his compassion for his fellow man.

I loved every minute of this- I believe anyone else would too.

Inspirational!

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I absolutely loved this book. Rob Pope is a truly unique and inspirational character. His achievement cannot be underestimated. I am only surprised that he hasn't got more recognition for it but I know after reading this book that is not what it is about for him.

This book made me motivate myself to go out for a run and alao watch Forest Gump AGAIN!

Inspirational, unique and entertaining

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Really enjoy Robs dulcet tones, both soothing & thought provoking. Life is for living & enjoying at a sensible pace so you have time to see the good in people and the worth in things. Rob demonstrate this well. Great listen.

Just wonderfully thought provoking but easy to listen to

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A great account of human endurance, philosophy and kindness. Rob is a fantastic writer and even better narrator, sometimes feeling like you are running along side him or revelling in the generosity of the people he meets on his journey. This book is guaranteed to make you smile!

Heart warming Scouse soul

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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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Well done Rob, fun and inspiring! it was good company on my runs on the canal.

Listened to it while running. I quite liked it!

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