Run, Gump Suzuki, Run! - 24th February 2025

Yuji Suzuki's run across Africa in his latest rickshaw-pulling challenge. This tour guide from Japan, who uses his rickshaw to give Tokyo visitors a unique perspective, wanted to drive himself further.

His 6,400 kilometre adventure's taken him from Nairobi, through Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia, to Cape Town. Namibia's desert tested him the most.

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."

This isn't the first time Suzuki's given himself such a big challenge. He began his international rickshaw runs in 2016, with a journey that took him from China to India.

Next, he pulled his 100-kilogram vehicle over 2,500 kilometres across Europe. He'd taken the idea from the movie Forrest Gump and earned himself the nickname Gump Suzuki. Suzuki then copied Gump by running 5,100 kilometres across the USA in 2022.

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."

Suzuki's attracted the attention of local people along his route. Children in particular have run beside him, and people have provided him with food, help and moral support. However, wild spectators such as lions and elephants have been less welcome! Alwyn Andrews is one of many supporters in South Africa to follow him across the country.

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 already thinking about a challenge in South America next. However, right now, he's taking some time to enjoy this achievement. He wants to share it with the runners and supporters who have encouraged 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."