‘RHINO Boy Chris’ Green took part in Sunday’s London Marathon - and won himself a place in the annals of the Guinness World Records.

Chris, who lives in Embsay, ran the 26.2 mile course through the streets of London while wearing his 13kg rhino suit in four hours, six minutes and 35 seconds - making him the fastest male to run a marathon dressed as a mammal.

He said: “This was one of the most special days and marathon experiences of my rhino life. Not only for the Guinness World Record, which of course has made me beyond proud and happy, but because of what Sunday represented.

“After everything that’s happened these last two years I’m sure I wasn’t the only person wondering if the London Marathon would be able to go ahead at all. So seeing so many smiles at the start and feeling both the sense of relief and excited anticipation in the air was absolutely wonderful.”

Some 40,000 people took part in the 41st London Marathon, which was last held more than two years ago.

Chris said: “It was an atmosphere I shall never forget and it was almost impossible for the rhino and I not to get carried on that tide of collective goodwill that came from every runner and every spectator and carried us through 26.2 miles of London’s streets. “

Chris, who runs to raise the profile of the plight of the rhino and who has raised thousands of pounds for Save the Rhino will on Sunday take part in the Manchester Marathon, where he will pass 1,000 miles run as a rhino.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, he has continued to take on challenges aimed at raising money and helping the survival of the critically endangered animal.

“Whether it was climbing a virtual Kilimanjaro up and down the stairs of my home or taking the rhino to the summits of Yorkshire’s three peaks I wanted to generate as much awareness on how desperately we need to help Save the Rhino. On Sunday, London shouted back and I can’t tell you how good it felt to hear so many voices calling out for the rhino,” he said.

“The London Marathon slogan for this year was “WeRunTogether” and I’m beyond honoured that the rhino and I were chosen to be among the faces of their campaign.

It never felt better to be “together” again with everyone. Running my favourite marathon, as my favourite animal for my favourite charity."