Guinness World Record holder from Leeds says Parkrun helped him be 'authentic self' as event marks 20 years
An inspiring athlete from Leeds has described how Parkrun has transformed his life, as the popular event celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Guinness World Record holder Matthew Akpan has taken on a number of hugely impressive feats, including running marathons dressed as WWE champion John Cena.
His determination to break records came after discovering his passion for running back in 2008, when he took on his first Parkrun at Woodhouse Moor. Now a regular at the event, the 35-year-old explained how the weekly five-kilometre race has empowered him.
“At Parkrun, I feel my authentic self,” said Matthew, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in 2013.
“I feel free to be able to be myself and build friendships. People tell me that I’ve become a role model.”
He first joined the event at a time when around 50 people were gathering at the park. Since then, he’s watched the numbers swell into the hundreds.
As well as holding the overall win record, Matthew, from Cross Gates, volunteers at the Woodhouse Moor Parkrun and has embraced every aspect of the event.
“I do it every week - and every time, I always offer to volunteer,” he said. “I close down the park, and a lot of people are encouraged by me and the different roles I do.”
Parkrun has also been the foundation for lifelong friendships. One of Matthew’s best friends is a fellow runner, whom he met through the event.
“We’ve known each other for about 15 years. He’s helped me throughout the events and has taken me to other runs as well,” said Matthew.
“He even took me and four other people to Wakefield for my last Guinness World Record attempt. He’s one of my best friends now, all because of Parkrun.”
After the loss of his father to kidney failure in 2021, Matthew said that he found himself searching for a way forward. He had always shared a love of professional wrestling with his dad, so decided to run the Yorkshire Marathon dressed as WWE legend John Cena.
The touching tribute to his father earned him his first Guinness World Record, although taking on the race in full costume was not easy - to earn the accolade, the rules stated that Matthew was not even allowed to wear running trainers.
But even with the added difficulty, he said he was proud to complete it in under three hours: “I felt a great sense of relief that I had won the record and honoured my dad.”
As someone who has overcome challenges, Matthew’s advice to others - particularly those on the autistic spectrum - was simple yet profound: “Just start something slowly. Don’t go headfirst. Build things up gradually, and keep learning every day. That’s the way you will move forward.”