Hemel running club member will take on London Marathon dressed as a giant elephant

A runner from the Gade Valley Harriers in Hemel Hempstead will take on the London Marathon this weekend dressed as a giant elephant.

Tom Langdown, from Dagnall, will be taking on the 26.2 mile challenge on Sunday, October 3, to raise awareness of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust works on Kenya's front line to protect threatened wildlife and habitats.

The 39-year-old runner said: "I have always been interested in wildlife, and this is one of the smaller charities, so I want to raise awareness of the work they do. I'm also hoping to raise £500.

"One of the important things they do is hand raise orphan baby elephants who have lost their mothers.

"With years of care, these babies are gradually reintegrated back into the wild, with many going on to have babies of their own."

Tom has run more than ten marathons and has two Guinness World Records:

> The fastest marathon wearing chainmail, he completed the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon in four hours and 50 minutes and 16 seconds.

> The fastest marathon dressed as a tap, he completed the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon in three hours and 29 minutes and 55 seconds.

Tom has received input for injury and conditioning from Hemel Physio.

Glen Robbins, clinic director at Hemel Physio, said: "We specialise in treating Marathon runners at Hemel Physio and part of our approach is always including strength training which is often neglected.

"Tom is not only a fast runner but he is also a strong runner and that is a perfect combination for staying injury free."

Tom will be leaving Boxmoor with the other runners from Gade Valley Harriers early on Sunday morning as they provide a coach service each year for their runners.

He said: "It's good that a bus takes us there, and it means I can put the costume underneath.

"I have got my own place at the marathon so the most important thing for me is to raise awareness for the charity and the work they do.

"I went out in the costume on Sunday, and there is a lot of space in it, so I do need to make some adjustments.

"This is 10kg, which is lighter than the chainmail, which was over 20kg, but it's just a lot bigger.

"It is going to be one of the toughest challenges I have done."

To support Tom and his fundraising for The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust click here.