Great Gorilla Run 2009

Speaking of Goals....

Just last week I completed another one of my goals, to run in The Great Gorilla Run in London. I willingly registered and committed myself and £80 to run 7 km in a gorilla suit and raise a minimum of £400 that goes to over 20 established projects that support gorilla conservation. It is a great cause and an amazing idea and event that The Gorilla Organization has conceived. Hundreds of people running around in furry gorilla costumes throughout central London, passing by numerous tourist and main London attractions and scenic bridges. To the average bystander it must seem like a scene from the "Planet of the Apes" films. It is frightening to know that there were more gorilla runners in London that day than the total remaining population of the mountain gorillas and even triple the amount of the remaining Cross River Gorilla species!!!

I successfully raised my set fund-raising goal with the help of my fellow primatologists and by enticing friends with pictures of my apetastic fun. I also had a major business sponsorship, RTA Publicity and proudly wore a t shirt with their logo and contact details. If you are interested in sponsoring me, there is still time to do so. Donating through the site below is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me!

Please visit the link below

http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=283051

The actual experience was amazing even though I felt like I was rolled up in carpet that continuously shed and found its way into my mouth, nose, and eyes!!! It was hot as it was abnormally warm for a September day, but it was nothing compared to the hot weather in South Carolina! :) I took advantage of this opportunity and ran the entire way with a cardboard box sign that read "Fighting Permanent Redundancy". I admit I am overly proud of this cheeky play on words and smiled when I saw people read it and nod their heads. I hammed it up or should I say "aped" it up for the cameras by running slower, knuckle walked and displayed when I went past photographers. I even deliberately sat down on the Millennium Bridge (the famous wire metal looking one between the Tate Modern Art Museum and St. Paul's Cathedral) to increase the visibility of my clever sign and raise the awareness of gorilla conservation. Overall, it was APETASTIC! I even got a couple of bananas as I ran past some cafes in which the workers excitedly handed us bananas (good thing I had a box to put it in).

I am not crazy, well maybe a little, but Ian Redmond actually knuckle walked the entire 7km barefooted!!! I passed him during the early stages and knew it was him as he is probably the only Gung Ho! person I know who would do this run with black painted bare feet!!!! Now that is dedication. If you don't believe me or sadly do not know who Ian Redmond is, then check out the link below :)

http://gorilla.wildlifedirect.org/2009/09/28/ian-redmond-ready-steady-go-rilla-the-yog-jog-blog/

I hope to one day see the gorillas in the wild before they are "permanently redundant".