Inspired by Forest Gump’s epic run across America, The Gumpathon is the brain-child of Colour Sergeant Damian Todd who decided to go ahead with the idea after a close friend was left severely disabled following a tour in Afghanistan.

Whilst the media covers those who sadly lose their lives in the line of duty less has been said about those who are graphically wounded. The problems facing those who return with severe injury are great and the simple things that we take for granted such as walking, running, going out with your friends are changed forever. All money raised from the Gumpathon will go towards helping these people through the work of three charities: Help for Heroes (H4H), the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund and the US Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. All three raise funds to support wounded and ill members of the Armed Forces, and their families, throughout their recovery period. | www.thegumpathon.com

All money raised from the Gumpathon will go towards helping these people through the work of three charities: Help for Heroes (H4H), the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund and the US Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. All three raise funds to support wounded and ill members of the Armed Forces, and their families, throughout their recovery period. | www.thegumpathon.com

Master Gunnery Sergeant Charles "Chunks" Padilla Chunks describes himself as a Marine that's always looking for new extreme challenges. He has been in the United States Marine Corps for over 28 years. He has served with various United States Marine Corps Reconnaissance units in the last 22 years. He served with the British Royal Marine Mountain Leader Course from 2001 to 2003. He's a graduate of the Royal Marine All-Arms Commando Course in 2002. He's very proud of being a U.S Marine and a British Royal Marine Commando.

"Chunks" Padilla served with the British Royal Marine Mountain Leader Course from 2001 to 2003. He's a graduate of the Royal Marine All-Arms Commando Course in 2002. He's very proud of being a U.S Marine and a British Royal Marine Commando.

Runners Lloyd ‘Krazy’ Fenner and Charles "Chunks" Padilla at the Philadelphia landmark LOVE statue along with the blue and gray man team.

Lloyd aka ‘Krazy’ Fenner is 29 and originally from Grimsby. He joined the Marines in 2003 and has completed a tour in Iraq and two in Afghanistan with both 45 Commando and the Royal Marines Armored Support Company. He is obsessed with sport of all kinds and is a passionate Manchester United fan. He keeps his own fitness up playing football and running regularly. He describes his career highlight as accepting The Sun True Grit Award on behalf of his unit.

'Whilst I was deployed in Afghanistan I lost two close friends and saw many receive life changing injuries, it’s this experience that is my primary reason for wanting to be involved with The Gumpathon. Second to that all Marines carry with them the pursuit of excellence and I want to push myself to the absolute limits. My civilian family and friends believe all Marines are machines, it’s now time to put that theory to the test'.

Jules Payne Driver/Physio, Marine Mark Ormrod, SSgt James Mazzoni-Dalton, Marine Jamie Jobson, Cpl ‘Krazy’ Fenner RM and CSgt Damian Todd RM

Physical Trainer James Mazzoni-Dalton helps Lloyd Fenner loosen up after today’s run.

Mark Ormrod is a Marine of 8 years standing. Born in the West Country he describes himself as stubborn with a love of Chinese take-away. During a tour in Afghanistan in 2007 Mark was severely injured losing both legs and his right arm. Since then his courage and determination to get on with life has provided an inspiration to many others, including all those involved in the Gumpathon. He has written a book about his experiences called 'Man Down' which was published in 2009 and is now attached to the new Hasler Company which will provide bespoke support for injured Marines.

"Chunks" Padilla USMC and Marine Jamie Jobson unwind after a long day.

Vietnam Marine Chuck ‘Graves’ Roth with Young Marine Lance Corporal Josh Taylor and Chunks Padilla.

Jamie Jobson, Tina Lare, Mark Ormrod, Charles Padilla and Jaime Alper helped welcome the team upon their arrival in Collingdale, PA.

Whilst the media covers those who sadly lose their lives in the line of duty less has been said about those who are graphically wounded. The problems facing those who return with severe injury are great and the simple things that we take for granted such as walking, running, going out with your friends are changed forever.

All money raised from the Gumpathon will go towards helping these people through the work of three charities: Help for Heroes (H4H), the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund and the US Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. All three raise funds to support wounded and ill members of the Armed Forces, and their families, throughout their recovery period.