Forrest Gump (Valencian Version) will be in Valencia this year

The Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Marathon brings together all manner of personalities and people to run through the wonderful flat streets of the Ciudad del Running. The race is full of international elite runners, local celebrities, international sports people and some stars from the silver screen. In the 2014 edition The Valencia Marathon had its own ‘Forrest Gump’. The Valencian Forrest Gump was probably the most cheered runner we have ever had in the race.

[vcr_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWzbCk18wTw”]

‘Run Forrest’! Was all you could here when marathon runner Adan Ortells passed by the crowd. Adan, from Puerto de Sagunto, was inspired when he first watched the film eith Tom Hanks in 2014. Dressed in a replica outfit from the movie Adan really got the crowds going. Adan is an experienced marathon runner but in 2014 he decided to pay a tribute to the character that inspired him to take up long distance running.

Adan really did a ‘Robert De Niro’ for the race. De Niro is famous for physically preparing for acting roles (watch Raging Bull to see how completely he inhabits the character). Adan grew a big grizzly beard, let his hair bush out to afro size proportions and spent months finding the right clothes to match Forrest Gump in the film. Adan decided to run as a character as he feels that many people do not run for fun. Adan even went as far as finding a Bubba Gump Shrimp camp to complete the look. As Adan ignited the crowds, they also pushed him on, ‘There weren’t 2 minutes without someone chering me on’.

So, we have already had Forrest Gump part one. Unlike the Hollywood movie we will have a sequel! Adan will be back with his big bushy beard, Bubba Gump Shrimp cap and authentic retro garb. Tom Hanks as yet is unconfirmed to run the marathon, but we can always hope! 😉

Forrest Gump:
When I got tired, I slept. When I got hungry, I ate. When I had to go, you know, I went.

Elderly Southern Woman on Park Bench:
And so, you just ran?

Forrest Gump:
Yeah.