Image of the day: 'British Forrest Gump' finishes 10,500-mile run
January 13, 09:00 PM By Amanda Keim-Morrison
Long-distance runner Jamie Ramsay runs past Buckingham Palace with friends and supporters during the final leg of his 17,000-kilometer run on Jan. 10. Ramsay started in Vancouver, Canada, and ran to Buenos Aires, Argentina, then finished his charity run with a jog from London's Heathrow airport to Westminster. (Chris Ratcliffe/Getty Images)
Once you've run more than 10,500 miles across 14 countries, what's another 15 or so miles to finish your trek?
Long-distance runner Jamie Ramsay wrapped up his 17-month journey that started in Vancouver, Canada, in August 2014 and ended in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sunday by hopping on a plane to Heathrow, then inviting his supporters to join him on a jog from the airport to central London.
He went through 17 pairs of shoes and estimates he ran 17,000 kilometers on his journey, averaging 45.1 kilometers (28 miles) a day toward the end. His route took him along the Pacific coast in the U.S., Mexico and South America before he cut across Argentina to head to Buenos Aires.
Along the way, he attracted more than £16,500 ($23,838) in donations to three charities: men's suicide prevention organization Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), WaterAid and cancer support group Macmillan.
Ramsay's long beard also attracted plenty of comparisons to Forrest Gump, which he "completely and absolutely" encouraged, he told the BBC. He explained that a friend donated £500 to Ramsay's chosen charities before his trip started, but also told the runner he wasn't allowed to shave his beard. So along the way, every time Ramsay heard a Forrest Gump comparison, "I just remember it's for a good cause, it's to raise money for charity and it's a nice talking point."
As for why Ramsay decided on such a long run, he simply decided it was time to "explore the world on foot" after working in an office for 12 years, he told The Guardian in April. "I love running, always have, and will do it as long as my body allows me," he said. "Running through countries gives you a special insight, one that I think you lose in a car or on a bus."
Ed's note - This article published on 13th January 2016. The original could be found here. The link may no longer be active.
