Did that just happen? A real, in-person, marathon event in this ‘new normal’ world? It did!
Before anything else, I’d like to say a big thank you and well done to every one of our 69 runners that completed the huge challenge of 26.2 miles on Sunday 3 October 2021. You are all incredible.
The pandemic has impacted all of our lives so much, and we’re thrilled that we could see some of our runners in London this weekend to celebrate their achievements. In what has been an extremely tough 18 months since the pandemic began, their continued training and fundraising efforts have been crucial.
Together, the team has raised a total of £50,243, with an extra £24,296 expected to be on its way (according to the latest figures on fundraising pages). This brilliant total will make a huge difference for rhino conservation across the world, ensuring that despite the impact of the pandemic, vital rhino monitoring and protection activities can keep going. Thank you all so much.
Now, for our official 2021 London Marathon stats:
- 69 people completed the London Marathon, 37 in the city itself, while 32 took the meaning of rhino runners to a whole new level, completing 26.2 miles in North Luangwa National Park, Zambia (home to black rhinos, lions, elephants, zebra and more!)
- Of these runners, eight were wearing 10-12 kg rhino costumes
- Our fastest runner was Steven Niezen in a very speedy 02:58:44
- Our fastest male costume runner was Chris Green (Rhino Boy Chris), finishing in a whopping 04:06:35 and breaking the record for the fastest ever rhino costume marathon
- Our fastest female costume runner was Liz Winton, who crossed the line in a brilliant time of 05:33:02
- The runner that’s raised the most so far is Anthony Ballance, who has raised an incredible £5,219
Again, an enormous congratulations to our 2021 London Marathon team. I am so proud of your achievements, and I hope you are too! …and I’m also hoping that by the time you read this you’ve had a well-deserved rest! Though, perhaps you’re already thinking about your next Save the Rhino marathon? We’d love to see you again!
Don’t forget that the ballot for the 2022 London Marathon closes on Friday 8 October!
And, if you’d like to be on our team next year, get in touch with us.