The number of fun runs, charity runs and obstacle courses has exploded over the last decade – as has the costumed variety. When we began the Great Gorilla Run 11 years ago (I work for the charity) fancy dress runs were a novelty, but today it seems every neighbour, colleague and Facebook friend is running in character for some cause or another. Here, I run (pun fully and painfully intended) through a few of the best from the UK – but if you’ve done, or know of any other crazy costumed runs, please share below the line.
Fee: £50
The registration fee covers administration costs and includes a full gorilla suit. The run is an 8km circuit through the centre of London, passing by some of the most iconic sights, dressed in a full gorilla suit. You can run, walk or jog the route. There is nothing quite like running as part of a 500-strong gorilla troop over Tower Bridge past unsuspecting Londoners and tourists. If you can’t make the run, head down to watch – it truly is a sight to see. There are prizes for the best dressed and there have been some pretty quirky themes in the past, from geriatric gorillas to gorillas dressed as Kate Middleton, Elvis and Marmite.
Organised by the Gorilla Organisation, a charity dedicated to community conservation to protect the gorillas, the Great Gorilla Run raises money to support their essential development initiatives. And if all that isn’t persuasive enough, Bill Oddie presents all the runners with a medal. The run takes place on 20 September.
The Sumo Run
Fee: £59
The registration fee includes a huge, inflatable sumo suit, in which you will run 5km through Battersea Park in London. You’ll look absolutely ridiculous, you will definitely get some strange looks, you will emphatically not score a PB – but you will have a blast. If the suit sounds like a lot of hard work, the course is at least easy; a flat 5km stretch with spectators lining the route. The run aims to raise money for Link, a charity helping to develop education in Africa. The run takes place annually in July and you can register your interest online for next year’s event.
The Colour Run
Fee: £24.99 + £4.99 P&P
Ok so not technically in costume, but the Colour Run has become a worldwide craze and with runs all over the UK, from Birmingham to Brighton, it is widely accessible. Sponsored by Dulux, it boasts of being the “happiest 5km on the planet”. Participants wear white at the beginning (a T-shirt is provided) and end covered in different colours for the post-run party. The next runs are taking place in London and Brighton in September. Another “race” that’s strictly for those who want to have fun, not clock a good time.
Streak for Tigers
Fee: £20
One of my favourites and definitely one of the wackiest races, this is not one for the faint hearted. Although no endurance test, Streak for Tigers is definitely only for the very brave. 350m completely naked - bar the ‘costume’ of some body paint - around the central court at London zoo, all to raise money in support of the conservation of tigers. Runners often arrive in wonderfully artistic face/body paint, much to the relief of the spectators and the animals forced to watch. The run itself is over quickly, but is truly exhilarating. It happens annually so keep your eyes open for 2015 registration.
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