Betty Boop, for Help the Hospices.
“I’ve worn this costume to a few house parties and some friends bet me I wouldn’t run the marathon wearing it. My main concern is the wig. It’s thick and black, and I might overheat. I’m going to use lots of aspirin and chafing cream on the day.” Photograph: Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum
Banana, for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.
“My mum died of leukaemia when I was a teenager. I joked that I’d run for the charity as a banana, and it turned out it was their mascot. I’m trying for a Guinness World Record: fastest marathon run by a fruit.” Photograph: Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum
Puff the Asthma Dragon, for Asthma UK.
“I’ve done 59 marathons – I’m aiming to join the 100 Marathon Club. But this is my first in costume. If I run quickly, I get asthma, so I’m a plodder.” Photograph: Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum
Front half of Humphrey the Camel, for WaterAid.
“This is Humphrey’s 15th marathon – he’s been running them with Thames Water, where I work, since 1996. He’s a furry sauna, but when the crowd cheer you on, it’s a real buzz.” Photograph: Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, for Clic Sargent.
“My friend Thomas – Doc, in the lime green hat – got us to do this. Six guys said they’d run with him, so he decided to get a girl on board as Snow White (one of the dwarves was away for our training). We’ve made a pact that we’re not allowed to leave each other in the marathon. They’ll have to go at my pace.” Photograph: Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum
Spitfire, for Leonard Cheshire Disability.
“This will be my first and last marathon. I went last year and was inspired, but I’m a battered old rugby player, not built to run miles and miles. I’m in the RAF, and so was the founder of the charity I’m running for, so we thought of the Spitfire.” Photograph: Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum
Donkey, for Spana (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad).
“I’m the veterinary director of Spana. This sombre donkey loaded down with bags reminds people of the loads these animals carry on a daily basis. The costume weighs 17kg, which certainly reminds me.” Photograph: Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum
Sonic the Hedgehog, for Spinal Injuries Association.
“Sonic’s head is massive. I was quite worried that I might injure myself – he does catch in the wind quite a bit – so I’ve been in the gym doing neck exercises. I’m hoping for cold, calm weather. I’ve done a half marathon as Sonic on a chilly day – and that felt warm enough.” Photograph: Chris Steele-Perkins/Magnum
