VIDEO and INTERVIEW: Heysham's record-breaking rhino runner to appear on BBC's The One Show

Thursday, 21 March 2024 11:40

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

A mum-of-four from Heysham who will once again run the London Marathon dressed in a rhino costume will appear on BBC's The One Show.

Kellie Clark will don the 12kg costume in the world's biggest marathon for the second consecutive year on Sunday April 21, to raise money for Save the Rhinos.

World record-breaker Kellie has decided to help the charity to raise awareness of, and funds for, rhino conservation.

Her exploits caught the attention of popular BBC1 programme The One Show and she will soon appear, in full costume, on the programme.

LISTEN to Kellie talking about why she runs as a rhino

"There are only five species of rhino left," said Kellie.

"Three of the five are critically extinct now. Poaching is an everyday threat for them and the rhino habitat is shrinking.

"I'm hoping I can do something to Save the Rhinos so they're around forever.

"For me, animals and the planet and the environment are a big part of who I am, and I'm hoping to pass that on to my children.

"The fundraising officer from Save the Rhinos asked me to go and film with BBC's The One Show, running in the rhino costume and do a short piece. Hopefully it will raise awareness of the charity."

Kellie recently ran Morecambe Parkrun, which takes place every Saturday on Morecambe Promenade, dressed as a rhino, as part of her training for the London Marathon.

"It was so windy and like running through treacle!"' she said.

"I'm crossing my fingers for the least wind possible (in London).

"I've been lucky enough to bring the rhino costume home to train in.

"It's very heavy and restrictive. You can't hear or see much inside the rhino so it's good to prepare for the day.

"Last year was a great experience. A lot tougher than I expected but it was amazing and here I am doing it again!"

In 2022 Kellie earned herself a Guinness World Record when her time of four hours and 26 minutes made her the fastest woman ever to run the marathon dressed as a confectionery item!