A UK-based wrestling superfan has caught the attention of his hero, John Cena, after breaking two world records in a marathon tribute to the legendary WWE star. Matthew Akpan, from Leeds, has cemented his place in the record books by becoming the fastest male to run a marathon and a half marathon dressed as a professional wrestler.
Akpan, a lifelong wrestling fan who was diagnosed with autism at age 24, ran his first record-breaking race at the York Marathon in October 2021. Dressed head-to-toe in Cena’s iconic shorts, T-shirt, and baseball cap, he completed the full marathon in a blistering 2 hours 56 minutes and 48 seconds. His impressive time was not only a personal best but also a testament to his dedication, as he ran to honor his father, who passed away earlier that year.
The following May, Akpan returned to the pavement to tackle the Leeds Half Marathon, once again in his signature Cena attire. He completed the race in an equally impressive 1 hour 24 minutes and 54 seconds, earning him his second world record title.
His incredible feats of endurance caught the attention of the media, and a story about his records eventually made its way to John Cena himself. The 16-time world champion took to social media to praise Akpan’s efforts, writing: “A fun record worth celebrating for its substance and message (and maybe its style). Thanks to @GWR for recognizing a young man who is running for a cause and with purpose. #NGU.”
For Akpan, Cena’s public recognition was the ultimate validation. He has since used his platform to inspire others, encouraging them to pursue their goals and raising thousands for charity. His record-breaking journey is a powerful reminder that a personal passion can lead to extraordinary achievements and inspire countless others along the way.
