Leeds autistic athlete wins national award for his achievements and advocacy
He has earned five Guinness World Records for his sporting achievement
A Leeds runner who has broken five Guinness World Records while raising money for charity has won a national award recognising his achievements and advocacy for autistic people.
Matthew Akpan, 37, won the Sports, Arts and Entertainment category at the 2026 Dimensions Leaders' Awards.
The awards celebrate adults with learning disabilities and autistic people who are making a positive difference in their communities.
Matthew, who is autistic, was among the winners announced at a ceremony in Bristol on October 20.
He is known for running marathons and half-marathons dressed as WWE superstar John Cena and has earned five Guinness World Records for his sporting achievements.
Among them is recognition as the fastest disabled runner at the 2025 Great North Run.
Running in memory of his dad
Matthew's achievements have attracted national attention, including praise from some of the biggest names in sport and entertainment.
Inspired by the memory of his father, who died in 2021, he has used his running to raise thousands of pounds for charities including the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Victim Support.
Away from the running track, Matthew has become a passionate advocate for autistic people, using public speaking and media appearances to promote greater understanding and acceptance.
He also works as a teaching assistant at a Leeds school for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Matthew uses his experiences to encourage young people to believe in themselves and pursue their ambitions.
'Openness and relief'
Matthew was diagnosed as autistic in 2013.
He has previously spoken about how receiving his diagnosis helped him better understand himself and rebuild his confidence after facing challenges at university.
In an interview with Sky Sports, he said running gave him a sense of "openness and relief" and helped him feel able to "tackle anything".
He has also spoken about the impact his achievements have had on other people, saying his story shows autistic people "can do anything we want".
Speaking to the BBC, Matthew described setting world records as an "annual tradition" and said running had helped him stay on "the right path".
As well as his Guinness World Records, he is a parkrun record-holder, a Commonwealth Games volunteer and a media contributor.
The Dimensions Leaders' Awards are nominated, judged and presented by adults with learning disabilities and autistic people.
They recognise achievements in leadership, advocacy, community action and making a positive difference to society.
Entries are now open for the next awards, with people able to nominate themselves, another individual or a group.
More information is available at leaderaward.co.uk