Gump Suzuki runs Africa - 24th February 2025

Tokyo tour guide Yuji Suzuki's just completed a 6,400 kilometre run with his rickshaw. Suzuki usually takes visitors to famous places, but he also likes adventures.

This challenge took him to Africa, where he travelled from Nairobi to Cape Town. In the desert, it was difficult to get food and water.

Gump Suzuki: "So when I was crossing, like, Namibia - nothing everywhere. That's why it's very difficult to get water, to get food. I sleep outside every time, yeah. Man, that it's very good experience for me."

Suzuki's already run other huge distances with his rickshaw, which weighs 100 kilograms. First, he pulled it from China to India, and then for 2,500 kilometres through Europe.

The idea came from the film Forrest Gump, and now he's known as Gump Suzuki. In 2022, he ran 5,100 kilometres across the USA like the film character, but with his rickshaw. His supporters help him to carry on.

Gump Suzuki: "Ah yeah, running, running for fun. Actually, but I've been travel for nine years already. Yeah, I get the power from you guys. That's why I gonna to give you guys power too. Yeah, that's my life."

There's lots of interest in Suzuki. Children join him and people offer him food and drink. In some places, lions and elephants were watching him too. This made him feel nervous.

South African fan Alvyn Andrews has followed him from the Namibian border. He's amazed by the public support.

Alvyn Andrews: "And I've been following Gump Suzuki from Namibia. I caught up with him when a guy stopped him - offered him water - just as he got out of, out of Namibia. And I've been following him all the way. And it's just amazing to see how the people in, in South Africa's, has, has just come out."

Suzuki's planning a run across South America next year. But, today he's celebrating this amazing journey. He's grateful for the support and to the runners who ran with him.

Gump Suzuki: "Yeah, I, I just want to say many thanks to you guys. I couldn't make it so without, without you guys. That's why I really happy, yeah, to see you guys and then run you together until finish line. I, I just want to say thank you, thank you so much."