Bill Oddie at the Great Gorilla run 2011
25/09/2011 01:26 0ST

Posted by jeffers

Here is an article from the Mail Online about Bill opening this year's Great Gorilla Run

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2041427/Absolutely-bananas-Gorillas-ape-charity-run-Londons-urban-jungle.html

Absolutely bananas: Gorillas go ape on barmy charity run through London's urban jungle - By Leon Watson

On your marks, get set, go-rilla! These wacky racers ran round the urban jungle today dressed like they were aping a wild animal.

As temperatures soared for September, more than 1,000 made it round the 4.3 mile (7km) central London course wearing furry gorilla costumes.

And as the mercury hit 23C, the sweaty runners cris-crossed the Thames going over Tower Bridge, back over London Bridge, then Southwark Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge.

They passed a series of London sights including the Tower of London, HMS Belfast and The Tate Modern.

The Great Gorilla Run was held by The Gorilla Organisation to highlight the plight of gorillas in the wild and is expected to raise £400,000 for the cause.

According to the NGO, there are only 720 mountain gorillas and the species is in danger of extinction.

The Gorilla Organisation helps provide community-based employment and education projects in Africa that aim to reduce pressure on areas of threatened gorilla habitat.

Its run is now in its eighth year.

After the race, Amanda Williams said on Twitter: 'Had a fab time at the Great Gorilla Run. Let's hope all the money raised from our monkeying around helps save some mountain gorillas.'

She added: 'My gorilla suit is actually steaming inside its plastic case! Nice.'

Another runner Brad Chuck said: 'Great Gorilla Run. Done! 56 mins and 1 second. What a giggle! But my word the heat was immense. Team gorilla next year anyone?'