Man runs race in South Thailand wearing Forrest Gump costume

Run Forrest run!

One participant in a 160 kilometre race in South Thailand made a splash with his unique attire.

The man donned a Forrest Gump costume, complete with a plaid shirt, khaki pants, and a red cap, to the Amazean Jungle Thailand by UTMB 2023.

The photo of the runner taken at the starting line in Betong district of Yala province has been liked and shared on the Facebook page of the organiser more than 10,000 times.

The photo received several delighted reactions, including one netizen who said, “Make the movie viral again on Thai social media.”

The race’s route, called ‘Betong 160,’ started at Betong Mongkhonrit Tunnel, and ended at Betong Clock Tower, Nation Thailand reported.

Organiser UTMB promoted the event by saying…

“Run through the refuge tunnel, to the delight of the beautiful sky and sea of mist of Gunung Silipat, Jaroh Ganga, Kapae Hulu and Kuan Toh Ni scenic point.”

The run is considered the southernmost run in Thailand. Several people attended the event, including both Thais and foreigners.

Forrest Gump is a 1994 film following the life of a kind-hearted man with a low IQ from the American South, during the Vietnam War. Throughout the film, the audience also sees Gump’s perspective on a number of other historical events as well, such as the Watergate scandal.

Gump faces many tribulations throughout his life, but he still manages to find happiness. Thanks to his supportive mother, Forest does not lead a restricted life.

Forrest is bullied as a child for his leg braces and his dimwittedness. But when he takes his leg braces off, he discovers that he is a fast runner. Forrest ends up fighting in the war and receives a Medal of Honour for his bravery in Vietnam.

Forrest Gump became the top-grossing film in America the year it was released and earned over US$678.2 million.