Rob Pope Speaker

Rob Pope Keynote Speaker

  • Guinness WR: 15,621-mile USA run, 422 days (2016–2019)
  • 2015 Australian Men’s Marathon Champion
  • Host of Red Bull’s How to Be Superhuman podcast (2020–present)

Rob Pope's Biography

Rob Pope is one of the world’s greatest ultrarunners—and the real-life Forrest Gump.
Between 2016 and 2019, he covered 15,621 miles, crossing 43 states in 422 days and wearing out 33 pairs of shoes—an officially recognised Guinness World Record that raised six-figure sums for Peace Direct and the WWF.

A practising veterinarian, Pope blends scientific rigour with ultra-running audacity. He holds two world records, topped northern European rankings at the desert-crushing Marathon des Sables, and even clocked the fastest marathon ever run in fancy dress (2:36, London 2016). His bestselling memoir Becoming Forrest and his Red Bull podcast How to Be Superhuman unpack the mindset frameworks and marginal-gain tactics behind these feats.

In 2022, Pope became the first person to run across Ireland in a single day, completing the 211 km journey from Galway to Dublin in under 24 hours. He has also raised over £15,000 for The Stroke Association and Oxfam through new adventures.

On stage, Rob’s self-deprecating humour and data-driven insight show teams how to convert bold visions into measurable results, sustain momentum under pressure, and cultivate resilience in volatile markets. Whether engaging global corporates, public-sector leaders, or university students, he leaves audiences convinced they can “Be More Forrest”—embracing purpose, perseverance, and unshakeable optimism to change their world for the better.

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Rob Pope's Speaking Topics

  • Going The Distance - High Performance over a Sustained Period

Rob Pope is Britain's most "ultra" ultrarunner. He is also the real-life Forrest Gump, running 5 times across the USA (15,621 miles in 422 days!) before he hung up his shoes. Don't worry, he's not going to try and persuade you to run across a continent, but he will explain how his mammoth journey parallels the road your organisation wishes to travel. He will give you the confidence to get to your start line, persevere through both the mundane and seemingly insurmountable obstacles and when the end is in sight, maintain the focus required to reach your goal.

  • Finding your ocean - Adapting to change

Rob Pope has travelled a long and winding road. From losing his mum at a young age, to becoming a veterinarian, he became the Australian marathon champion and eventually emulated Forrest Gump, running 5 times across the USA. Rob is now bringing you the lessons he learnt taking over 50 million footsteps that enabled him to adapt to and succeed in his changing world. Key to this was the realisation that there is ALWAYS a work around. Let him find yours.

  • Who is your "Tough Boss"?

You may not believe this of somebody who has run over 15,600 miles in less than a year and a half, but Rob Pope is an inherently lazy person. Given the chance, he likes nothing better than to kick back and watch the world go by. He is, however, also a serial winner and knows that this approach wasn't going to get him fifty miles down the road every day. To achieve the seemingly impossible, he has developed techniques that get even the arch procrastinator on the move. Rob is here to create both an individual and a collective culture of achievement in your organisation. You just need to take that first step.

  • Becoming Forrest

Rob Pope shares his incredible story of becoming the first person to complete the Forrest Gump Run, 5 times across America in 422 days - in doing so, running more than any Brit has ever done in a single year. Sit back and enjoy the first-hand journey of "Becoming Forrest", the best-selling book from Harper Collins.  His emotional journey is packed with hilarious and tear-jerking moments that will make you realise that you can achieve the seemingly impossible. This session is perfect for after-dinner or less formal events where you want your guests to walk away from your event with a big "wow" and a smile on their faces.

  • The Host With The Most 

Rob is the ideal host for any awards ceremony, charity auction, gala dinner you have in the pipeline. Bringing Liverpudlian charm to your event, Rob is spontaneous and funny, with real attention to detail in making sure his content on the night is right for you and your invited guests. If you saw the lengths he went to to look like Forrest Gump as he ran across America five times, including growing the beard, you'll know he'll bring his A-game to ensure everything goes perfectly and that a great time is had by all, even if you're on the end of one of his jokes!

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Videos of Rob Pope

Rob Pope Showreel

Books by Rob Pope

Becoming Forrest: The extraordinary true story of one man’s epic run across America: One man's epic run across America
Becoming Forrest: The extraordinary true story of one man’s epic run across America: One man's epic run across America

Comments & Testimonials

“Rob gave two engaging talks for a speaker stream I organised at London Vet Show in 2019. He opened our lecture program with stories of his record-breaking epic runs across the USA, and closed it with a Q&A. He attracted a full house for both talks and effectively connected with the audience sharing his unique experiences, through his passionate and inspiring story telling. I’d highly recommend him as a speaker, he was professional to work with from planning to presenting.”
Gemma Hopkins – National Veterinary Manager, Zoetis
“We were thrilled to have Rob as a guest speaker at the Armis VeloCup. Rob got involved with our guests through the day and delivered a truly heart warming, inspiring and funny talk. His presence was the highlight of the event and everyone wanted a signed book to take home with them. Highly recommend!”
Richard Groome – Regional Sales Director, Armis Security

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