The Where’s Wally Fun Run is an annual event put on by National Literacy Trust with a children’s run and an adults 5km and 10km. Our guest review Nicola Stokes headed to Clapham Common to check it out.
As the weekend approached I was concerned that the race would be cancelled due to the weather as other events all over the country were being called off but with the good news that it was on I braved the elements of Elsa – Beast from the East 2.0 and made my way to the location.
I turned up at 8:25AM and collected my Where’s Wally costume. Putting it on I did feel rather silly as I was one of the first there but the race village soon filled up with a sea of red and white stripes.
The kids 1KM run was first off at 9:30AM and watching the mini Wallys was entertaining and gave much encouragement for me.
Although the official ‘warm up’ was energising by the time we started at 10AM the cold weather meant I could no longer feel my fingers or toes.
With the course being slippery and muddy and my first marathon fast approaching I didn’t want to risk injury (Maranoia is a real condition!) so I walked most of the route.
As I progressed my way through the snowy ground the sight of over 300 others all dressed as the same children’s puzzle book character was quite surreal.
There was a bitter wind but I made it to the end and collected my goody bag and medal. The weather had done its best to spoil this run but it didn’t succeed. The smile of all the participants faces proved that.
Quirky Races 