31 Jan–1 Feb 2026 138 days to go! #RunShow Tickets

matthew akpan

My name is Matthew Akpan, 36 I am on the autism spectrum.

I have now broken 5 Guinness world records, 2 for running dressed up as John Cena over the marathon and half marathon distance, and the other for guessing the most amount of WWE wrestlers theme tunes in 1 minute twice. And the other through running a half marathon in the intellectual impairment category

I have been nominated for the Yorkshire choice awards, Rob Burrow outstanding courage award 2025 and inspirational individual of the year.

I was given a standing ovation at AO Arena in Manchester WWE Live in April 2023.

I will be on the NTA red carpet alongside the celebrities this September in 2025.

As well as filmed a extra role in a Hollywood film.

Shadowing at BBC Radio Leeds from October and planning another Guinness world record in 2026 for the full marathon distance in the category intellectual impairment I was on the brooks stage speaking as a celebrity, great north run 2025