Leeds Runner Chases 6th World Record at London Marathon

A man from Leeds is turning personal challenges into world records, one marathon at a time.

Matthew Akpan, 37, will attempt to break his sixth Guinness World Record at the London Marathon later this month. He's going for the fastest male marathon in the intellectual impairment category, continuing a remarkable streak that started in 2021.

But Matthew's record-breaking runs carry deeper meaning. He races dressed as WWE wrestlers to honor his late father, who died from kidney failure in January 2021. The two bonded over watching wrestling together for more than 20 years.

"I decided to dedicate a Guinness World Record attempt to him in his honour," Matthew said. "I chose John Cena because of all the charity work he has done." The real John Cena even congratulated him on social media after he broke the record for fastest half marathon dressed as a wrestler.

Matthew was diagnosed with autism in 2013 after struggling through his second year at Manchester Metropolitan University. He said he felt something was holding him back but didn't know what. After his diagnosis, he re-enrolled at Leeds Beckett University and successfully completed his degree in Sport Leisure and Culture.

Now he uses his platform to inspire others. Matthew has raised over £3,000 for six different charities since 2021, with his current marathon supporting the National Autistic Society.

Why This Inspires

Matthew refuses to let his autism diagnosis define his limits. He's completed over 400 parkruns at his local Leeds event and volunteered nearly 100 times. Now he's helping organize junior parkrun events in areas with high diabetes rates, targeting kids ages 4 to 14.

As a Celebrity Ambassador for Magic Breakfast, a charity providing breakfast to children who might not have one at home, Matthew visits schools sharing his story. He encourages students to eat healthy breakfasts and pursue their dreams regardless of challenges.

His impact is being recognized. Matthew has been shortlisted for three awards in 2026, including The Yorkshire Choice Awards Rob Burrow Outstanding Courage Award and the UK Top Influencer Awards Most Inspirational Person.

"I support young people, those on the autism spectrum, to bring out the qualities and interests that they have and desire," Matthew said.

Matthew's message is clear: autism won't hold him back, and it shouldn't hold anyone else back either.