Claude Cazes and His “Horizons Infinis”

Last June, French adventurer Claude Cazes released Horizons Infinis with Albin Michel—an inspiring book by the man who walked the entire length of the Nile in 2021 and crossed Europe on foot in 2023 to help victims of the Turkish earthquake. A phenomenon in his own right.

Let’s do things a little differently and start at the end. In the final lines of Horizons Infinis, Claude Cazes mentions his love for Forrest Gump, symbolized by the faded red cap he wore as he crossed the finish line of the Dublin Marathon in late October (photo below). And it was actually through the social media of British ultrarunner Robert Pope—often referred to as the “real-life Forrest Gump”—that we discovered Claude. Great minds tend to recognize one another. Intrigued by his extraordinary feats, we reached out to him… and were quickly pulled in by the gravity of his story. He is a man who inspires and breathes inspiration—something you can instantly feel in his book Horizons Infinis, released this summer. Over 200 pages that feel far too short, Claude Cazes revisits his childhood, his struggles, and the many lives he seems to have lived. Born in 1982, he gives the impression of having already gone through nine lifetimes.

| Claude Cazes’ Extraordinary Feats Since 2019

➜ 2021: 6,700 km (4,160 miles) walking upstream along the Nile, solo, from Burundi to Egypt, delivering medicine to local NGOs.
➜ October 2022: 1,200 km (746 miles) and 28 marathons in 28 days across France to support the fight against cancer.
➜ 2023: 3,486 km (2,165 miles) in 83 days from France to Türkiye, again solo, to help victims of the devastating February 6 earthquake.
➜ 2025: 13 marathons in 13 days around Ireland to raise funds for Debra Ireland and support those living with epidermolysis bullosa.

In Horizons Infinis, Claude retraces the paths that shaped him—including his journeys through China, Thailand, Burundi, Türkiye, and beyond. He writes with disarming honesty about his childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood, marked by wounds he spent years trying to forget. His life story is anything but ordinary—and even on the page, the energy is palpable. His route is strewn with hardship, but equally with remarkable human encounters. Claude Cazes was not “destined” to become an elite endurance athlete, but challenge after challenge, he forged himself into one. He explains: “In my experience, it’s essential for someone to run or walk first for themselves, in solitude, to learn who they are. When you start something new, you feel incredibly small. That solitude in the face of difficulty is necessary—you can only discover who you really are when you face silence. Mentally, psychologically, even spiritually, you grow from it. Solitude in effort, and even discomfort, is what makes us progress. The pain threshold is personal; you learn to push it. And we forget something important: it’s not mindset that makes the difference—it’s the heart. The heart’s power is limitless. Since I discovered why I run, I no longer see any limits.”

His performances may be extraordinary, but the way he lives them is just as unique: no support crew, no logistical assistance—just faith in people and in the road ahead. Born in Béziers in southern France, Claude organizes his nights and meals as he goes. “This community of the present moment means everything to me. It’s what brought me incredible encounters everywhere I’ve traveled. I trust life, and life gives back.” And sometimes the weather gives back too: “During my 13 marathons in Ireland, I had 13 days of sunshine—except for one 20-minute shower! For Ireland in October, that’s a miracle. Every Irish person told me so.”

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His latest challenge in October 2025 was no exception: 13 marathons in 13 days, entirely solo and unsupported, around Ireland. On the final day, he joined the Dublin Marathon. True to form, Claude never runs for himself alone—this time, he ran to raise awareness of epidermolysis bullosa, a rare and debilitating skin condition, and to collect funds for Debra Ireland, represented by ambassador Emma Fogarty.

| A Grand 2027 Project

Robert Pope and Claude Cazes aren’t done crossing paths. The two men share enormous hearts and uncommon resilience. Robert has already pledged his support for Claude’s next major project: running—solo and unsupported—the full Forrest Gump route across the United States in 2027.

Claude recalls their first exchanges: “When I contacted him, I said, ‘This is going to sound absolutely crazy, but I hope one day to run the Forrest Gump route. I know you did it—could you share some information?’ After several messages, Robert realized I was serious. I told him it would be an honor to walk in his footsteps. I needed to know the route was safe—for me and my family. When you travel alone, dangerous things can happen. They certainly did when I walked along the Nile. The longer the trip, the more careful I need to be. Robert said ‘No problem’ and sent me tons of information.”

What does the Tom Hanks character mean to him? “I wear Forrest’s red cap because he embodies everything I love about running and about life—sincerity, transparency, honesty, kindness. I recognize myself in those values. The year 2026 will be dedicated to preparing for the project. I want to contact every mayor and every town along the route so they know exactly when I plan to pass through. I want to be welcomed and make as much noise as possible for the causes I’ll support—environmental protection and the fight against cancer.”

Then, with a dreamy smile:“My instinct tells me I’ll meet Tom Hanks somewhere along the way. I can feel it.”

And when Claude’s instinct speaks…