London Marathon 2026: Save the Rhino Team in Iconic Costumes; London 2026

Key Points

• The 46th London Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 26 April 2026, featuring over 56,000 participants on the 26.2-mile route from Greenwich to Buckingham Palace.
• A world-record-breaking 1,133,813 people from the UK and worldwide applied in the public ballot for entry.
• Save the Rhino International has assembled a team of 37 runners to participate in support of rhino protection efforts across Africa and Asia.
• The team has raised funds through bake sales, pub quizzes, sponsored walks, and social media awareness campaigns.
• Seven runners will don iconic rhino costumes, including Rhino Boy Chris Green, Edward Ndiritu, and Finlay Barritt-Cross.
• Rhino Boy Chris Green, a Save the Rhino International Ambassador, aims to complete his 200th marathon and has surpassed £50,000 in fundraising.
• Edward Ndiritu, Head of Anti-Poaching at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, will run 26.2 miles in a 10kg rhino costume.
• Finlay Barritt-Cross seeks to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest male rhino marathon, currently held by Rhino Boy Chris Green at 04:06:35 (2022).
• Returning fundraisers include Jim Higham and Kylene Wright.
• Supporters can donate via the team’s Enthuse page, cheer in person with provided placards, or spot the runners on TV or online streams.

London (The Londoner News) April 24, 2026 – The 46th TCS London Marathon is set to take place this Sunday, 26 April 2026, drawing more than 56,000 participants along the iconic 26.2-mile route from Greenwich to Buckingham Palace. Save the Rhino International has proudly fielded a team of 37 dedicated runners to support rhino conservation efforts across Africa and Asia, amid a record-breaking 1,133,813 public ballot applications from the UK and globe.

When and Where is the 2026 London Marathon Happening?

The event unfolds this Sunday, 26 April 2026, starting in Greenwich and culminating at Buckingham Palace after 26.2 gruelling miles through London’s streets. As announced by Save the Rhino International in their official statement, more than 56,000 runners will participate, underscoring the marathon’s enduring popularity.

The astonishing ballot figure of 1,133,813 applicants marks a world record, reflecting global enthusiasm for the annual spectacle.

Who Makes Up Save the Rhino International’s Marathon Team?

Save the Rhino International’s team comprises 37 runners committed to fundraising for rhino protection in Africa and Asia.

According to the charity’s release, these runners have diligently organised bake sales, pub quizzes, sponsored walks, and leveraged social media to amplify awareness and gather donations. The group’s efforts highlight a collective dedication to conservation amid pressing wildlife threats.

Which Runners Are Wearing the Iconic Rhino Costumes?

Seven team members will take on the course in distinctive rhino costumes, adding a visually striking element to the event. As detailed in Save the Rhino International’s announcement, standout participants include Rhino Boy Chris Green – one of our Ambassadors, is set to complete his 200th marathon.

He has also recently passed the £50,000 fundraising milestone for Save the Rhino International. Edward Ndiritu – Head of Anti-Poaching at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, swaps the savannah for the streets of London, running 26.2 miles in a 10kg rhino costume. Finlay Barritt-Cross – Finlay is attempting to break the Guinness World Record, which is currently held by Rhino Boy Chris – Fastest male rhino marathon: 04:06:35 (2022).

What Fundraising Milestones Have Team Members Achieved?

Rhino Boy Chris Green stands out for his extraordinary commitment, poised to notch his 200th marathon while exceeding £50,000 raised for Save the Rhino International.

The team’s broader initiatives, including community-driven events like bake sales and quizzes, have bolstered their cause, though specific totals for the group remain undisclosed in the initial statement. These efforts underscore the personal sacrifices runners make to support global conservation.

Who Are the Returning Fundraisers This Year?

Among the participants, Jim Higham and Kylene Wright return as seasoned fundraisers, bringing experience from prior marathons. Save the Rhino International highlighted their involvement, noting continuity in the team’s composition. Their repeated participation exemplifies sustained volunteerism in the face of annual challenges.

How Can the Public Support the Rhino Team?

Supporters are encouraged to contribute via the team’s Enthuse page, as promoted in the charity’s update:

“If you’d like to support our marathon team’s efforts, please visit our team enthuse page.”

On marathon day, spectators can attend to cheer using fun placards provided by the organisation: “If you can make it to marathon day and would like to cheer on our runners, check out these fun placards and give our runners a big cheer!” Remote viewers are also urged to watch for the rhino costumes on television or online streams:

“If you’re watching on TV or online, try to spot our iconic rhino costumes on the big screen.”

Why is This Year’s Ballot Record-Breaking?

The public ballot for the 2026 TCS London Marathon saw an unprecedented 1,133,813 applications from the UK and across the globe, as proudly noted by Save the Rhino International:

“An astonishing and world-record-breaking 1,133,813 people from the UK and across the globe applied in the public ballot for entry to the 2026 TCS London Marathon.”

This surge illustrates the event’s magnetic appeal, far surpassing previous years and intensifying competition for places.

What Challenges Do the Rhino Costume Runners Face?

Donning 10kg rhino costumes presents unique physical demands, particularly for Edward Ndiritu, who transitions from Kenya’s savannah patrols to London’s urban course.

Finlay Barritt-Cross targets the existing record of 04:06:35 set by Chris Green in 2022, a feat requiring exceptional endurance in cumbersome attire. These elements, as outlined in the team’s profile, amplify the runners’ contributions beyond mere participation.

How Does the Team’s Work Aid Rhino Conservation?

Every pound raised by the 37 runners directly supports Save the Rhino International’s initiatives to protect rhinos in Africa and Asia. The charity expressed pride in the squad: “And we are incredibly proud to have a team of 37 runners taking part in support of Save the Rhino International, raising funds to protect rhinos across Africa and Asia.” Such grassroots fundraising remains vital amid ongoing poaching threats.

What Makes the London Marathon Route Iconic?

The 26.2-mile path from Greenwich to Buckingham Palace weaves through landmarks, testing participants’ resolve while captivating global audiences. With over 56,000 entrants, the route’s prestige draws elite athletes and charity runners alike, as evidenced by the ballot frenzy. Save the Rhino International’s team embodies this blend of sport and philanthropy.

The 37-strong contingent from Save the Rhino International exemplifies how major events like the TCS London Marathon foster meaningful conservation advocacy. Their multifaceted fundraising – from local quizzes to viral social campaigns – has galvanised support ahead of Sunday’s start. Rhino Boy Chris Green’s dual milestone of his 200th race and £50,000 raised sets a benchmark, while Edward Ndiritu’s 10kg costume run bridges continents in the fight against poaching.

Finlay Barritt-Cross’s record attempt adds competitive intrigue, challenging Chris Green’s 2022 mark of 04:06:35. Returning stalwarts Jim Higham and Kylene Wright ensure team cohesion. As the ballot’s record 1,133,813 entries confirm, the marathon’s allure persists, amplifying causes like rhino protection.