Marathon Runner Meets Hero John Cena After Record Wins

Matthew Akpan spent years chasing world records while dressed as his hero, and in August, he finally got to thank John Cena in person.

The 37-year-old from Leeds, UK, couldn't believe it when Cena thanked him at a London convention. "It was unbelievable to meet John after all his hard work and efforts and congratulating me for my innovation," Matthew told Guinness World Records. "He seemed possibly shocked and said, 'Thank you for doing the world record dressed as me.'"

Matthew earned his place in the record books by running a marathon in full John Cena costume in 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 48 seconds in 2021. He wore Cena's signature green T-shirt and knee-length jean shorts while setting the fastest marathon dressed as a professional wrestler.

A year later, he claimed the half marathon version of that record in 1 hour, 24 minutes, and 54 seconds. But Matthew's running achievements go far beyond his cosplay records.

The runner, who has autism, holds two additional world records in Guinness's intellectual impairment category. This April, he completed the London Marathon in 3 hours, 19 minutes, and 16 seconds, setting another benchmark for athletes with cognitive disabilities.

Why This Inspires

What drew Matthew to Cena wasn't just the wrestling moves or championship titles. After watching Cena's WWE debut in 2002, Matthew discovered the wrestler's extensive charity work and adopted his "hustle, loyalty and respect" mantra as his own life code.

"After seeing all the work he had done for charity, that was the part I took from him and tried to dedicate myself to helping others," Matthew explained. Today, he serves as a celebrity ambassador for Magic Breakfast Charity, which provides meals for schoolchildren across England and Scotland.

Cena's dedication to giving back is legendary. He holds the record for most wishes granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation with 650 wishes as of July 2022. He commits to making every critically ill child's wish unforgettable, whether bringing them into the wrestling ring or letting them win an arm wrestle.

"If you ever need me for this ever, I don't care what I'm doing, I will drop what I'm doing and be involved," Cena told Reuters. The wrestling icon earned GWR ICON status in the 2027 edition for his dedication to both his sport and his fans.

Matthew's journey shows how the right role model can inspire someone to push their own limits while lifting others up along the way.