A park ranger at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm will take part in the Bristol Half Marathon - dressed up as an ostrich.
Matthew Willey will hit the track on May 19 dressed to mimic the remarkable speed and endurance of the ostrich.
He will represent the North Somerset zoo and conservation charity, hoping to raise funds and raise awareness of the cause.
This will not be the ranger's first rodeo, having previously participated in six half marathons, and this marks his third time taking part in the Bristol Half Marathon.
Mr Willey said: "My main goal is to help raise awareness for any charities that inspire to make a better future.
"Therefore, I’ll be running the Bristol half marathon in an ostrich costume to help raise awareness of all the great work Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is doing to help endangered animals."
Noah's Ark is a zoo and conservation charity based in North Somerset that creates strategies for the protection of over 100 species, including African elephants, Andean bears, Siamang gibbons and White Rhinos.
Classifying several species as 'endangered' or 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List, the zoo consistently works to promote awareness of endangered animals.
Mr Willey added: "I’m thrilled to represent Noah’s Ark in this year’s Bristol Half Marathon and to do so in such a unique way," says Matt.
"The ostrich costume is not just a fun challenge for me; it’s also a symbol of the incredible work Noah’s Ark does for our community.
"I hope to raise awareness and support for this cause while pushing my own limits".
Joining him on the track is Guy Walker, a trustee of Noah's Ark charity, but his cause is slightly different.
Mr Walker is participating in the marathon with a group of 22 friends and family, raising funds for a microvascular training station for the Head and Neck unit at the Bristol Royal Infirmary.
After surviving a battle with mouth cancer diagnosed in 2023, his run is already making strides.
Mr Walker's "Recovery Run" has raised £5,000, meeting the target set for the infirmary's life-saving work.
Individuals are encouraged to support the far-reaching efforts of Noah's Ark through both fundraising initiatives.
The charity invites everyone to join in the spirit of their determination and goodwill.
If you wish to support Matthew Willey's run, visit the Go Fund Me page via www.gofundme.com/f/running-wild-for-noahs-ark.
While if you wish to donate to Guy Walker's fundraiser, visit his Just Giving page via www.justgiving.com/team/recoveryrun.
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