Autism Advocate Targets Sixth Guinness World Record at London Marathon
Matthew Akpan, a 37-year-old runner from Leeds, is embarking on an extraordinary mission at the upcoming London Marathon. He aims to secure his sixth Guinness World Record while simultaneously raising awareness for autism and paying tribute to his late father. Akpan, who was diagnosed with autism in 2013, firmly believes that his condition does not limit his potential, and he hopes to inspire others with similar diagnoses.
Record-Breaking Ambitions and Personal Tributes
Akpan is training rigorously for the 26.2-mile London Marathon, where he intends to break the record for the fastest male marathon runner with an intellectual impairment. This achievement would mark his sixth Guinness World Record, adding to his previous accolades for the fastest male marathon and half marathon dressed as a wrestler. His choice of wrestling attire is a heartfelt homage to his father, who passed away from kidney failure in January 2021. The two shared a deep passion for WWE wrestling, watching it together for over two decades.
"I decided to dedicate a Guinness World Record attempt to him in his honour," Akpan explained. "I chose John Cena because of all the charity work he has done. John Cena also congratulated me for the achievement on X (Twitter)."
Charity Fundraising and Community Engagement
Like many marathon participants, Akpan is using his run to support charitable causes. He is raising funds for the National Autistic Society and has already collected over £3,000 for six different charities since 2021. His commitment to his community extends beyond fundraising. Akpan has completed more than 400 parkruns at Woodhouse Moor in Leeds and volunteered nearly 100 times. He is now involved in organising a junior parkrun event, targeting areas in Leeds with high diabetes rates—a condition that affected both his father and grandmother.
"So to get juniors active (junior parkrun is targeting ages between 4 and 14) from an early age is how I can make a difference not just for health reasons but to give children more of an opportunity to try something and meet new people that they generally would not have access to," Akpan shared.
Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others
Akpan's journey has not been without obstacles. He failed his second year at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2011 while studying Sports Development, which led him to seek an autism diagnosis in 2013. After receiving his diagnosis, he re-enrolled at Leeds Beckett University, where he successfully completed his degree in Sport Leisure and Culture. Today, he serves as a Celebrity Ambassador for the Magic Breakfast Charity, visiting local schools to share his story and promote healthy eating habits.
"I support young people or more so help young people those on the autism spectrum to bring out the qualities and interests that they have and desire," Akpan said.
Recognition and Future Endeavours
Akpan's efforts have garnered significant recognition. In 2026, he has been shortlisted for three prestigious awards: The Yorkshire Choice Awards Rob Burrow Outstanding Courage Award and Inspirational Individual Award, The UK Top Influencer Awards Most Inspirational Person, and the Leader Awards. As he prepares for the London Marathon, Akpan continues to demonstrate that autism is not a barrier to achieving greatness, but rather a unique aspect of his identity that fuels his determination and compassion.
