If you have recently spotted a flamingo or tiger sprinting past you recently, you might be concerned that you are overworked and sleep deprived, and frankly, losing the plot.
But that's not so; it's actually new city resident Rachel Harris out in training for the London Marathon!
Illustrator Rachel is taking on the challenge in support of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and has been dressing as a different animal each week.
"It has earned her more than a few double-takes, laughs, and puzzled stares from dog walkers and shoppers alike," said her cousin, James Harris.
"The idea is simple: if dressing as endangered animals gets people talking, laughing, and stopping to ask questions, it also helps raise awareness and funds for wildlife conservation.
"It’s a fun and eye-catching, with a serious cause behind it — and with many more animals still to come, the sights are only going to get stranger!"
Rachel, 26, is currently doing her PGCE training to be a teacher. The animal lover is a longtime supporter of the WWF, and has previously adopted Snow Leopards, Gorillas and her favourite animal, the Polar Bear, through the charity.
She's not new to the world of running, and has spent years tackling the half marathon distance, but has never before taken on a full marathon.
"I've spent the past three years chasing seasonal jobs across Canada and Australia and cramming as much travel time into each off-season as I could afford, and I've been lucky enough to see so many of the animals supported by the WWF in their natural habitats," she said,
"I'm continually in awe of how incredible our planet's wildlife really is and, for me, it's a cause I couldn't ever run out of love for.
"Knowing I'll be running in aid of the WWF will definitely spur me on when I hit some inevitable walls..." she said.
Rachel wants to raise £2,500 for the WWF and you can support her efforts here: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.
Keep in touch with her on Insta at @rachel_ch10
