'Forrest Gump' Is Running Around Riverside, And It's Amazing

RIVERSIDE, CA — "Run, Forrest, run!" "I just felt like runnin'." "My mama says they were magic shoes." So many famous quotes come to mind from the classic movie Forrest Gump, especially when it comes to his running streak. And though a recently spotted "Forrest" hasn't been running across America, he has been running across Riverside and into people's hearts.

That's right. Forrest Gump has been running across the Southern California city for the last week or so, and sightings of a man clad in an apparent Halloween costume are taking local social media by storm. Complete with a fake beard, red trucker hat, yellow shirt, red shorts — and of course running shoes — "Forrest" has been spotted at least eight times since Oct. 19.

And people love it.

"I think it is a lot of fun and it is making a lot of people smile, we need more positive things going on," said Steve Johnson, who administrates the "What Is Going On In Riverside County?" Facebook group where many of the sightings were reported.

Watch Now: A Man 'Just Felt Like Runnin' Across Riverside

The first "Forrest" sighting was reported on Oct. 19 around 5 p.m. outside the Riverside Plaza shopping center, Johnson said, adding that the man was seen at seven other locations around town as of Friday morning.

On Wednesday, Robert Castillo took this picture of Forrest stretching his legs near the 91 freeway in downtown Riverside.

Denise Kennon said she saw "Forrest" on Wednesday evening, also in the downtown area. He was out for a jog.

He apparently wanted to give law enforcement a laugh, as he was spotted near the police department on Thursday. Irina Sandoval saw him around 4 p.m., happy to oblige to a photo op.

Several videos have also popped up of the man, in what's quickly becoming a fun "who-seen-him" game.

The man's true identity remains a mystery. Whoever he is, though, he's certainly bringing some cheer to the community.

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Main Images courtesy Robert Castillo and Denise Kennon.