Rhino Boy Chris
Chris Green | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Chris Green in 2022 | |
| Born | July 20, 1975 Christchurch, Dorset, England |
| Occupation(s) | Removals operator, marathon runner, conservationist |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Organization | Save the Rhino |
| Known for | Charity marathon running and conservation fundraising |
Chris Green (born 20 July 1975), known as Rhino Boy Chris, is a British marathon runner and conservationist. An ambassador for Save the Rhino, he is known for completing long-distance races while wearing a rhinoceros costume to raise awareness and funds for rhino conservation. As of April 2025, he has completed over 150 marathons, half-marathons, and ultramarathons for the cause and holds several Guinness World Records.
Early life
[edit]Green was born in Christchurch, Dorset, England. At the age of five, during a family trip to Kenya, he developed a fascination with rhinos. Learning about the threats facing rhinoceroses, he became passionate about wildlife conservation from an early age.[1][2]
Running career and conservation work
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In 2009, Green began running marathons to support rhino conservation. That same year, he acquired a custom-built 10 kg rhino costume he named "Spike", which he began wearing during races to attract attention and raise funds.[1][3]
Since then, Green has participated in more than 150 long-distance events, including half-marathons, marathons, and ultramarathons. He has been featured in numerous media outlets for his dedication to conservation and his distinctive race-day attire.[4][5]
As a committed fundraiser and awareness campaigner, Green has completed various endurance feats beyond standard races, such as:
- Running from London to Oxford (100 miles) in 24 hours[6]
- A 50-mile ultramarathon along the River Thames
- Virtually climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in his rhino suit during the COVID-19 lockdowns[7]
As of the 2025 London Marathon, Green has completed 113 marathons wearing "Spike", earning him the Guinness World Record for the most marathons run in the same three-dimensional costume (male).[8][9] In total, he has raised over £37,000 for Save the Rhino.[1]
Guinness World Records
[edit]- Fastest marathon dressed as a three-dimensional animal (male) – 4:32:26, 2019 London Marathon[10]
- Fastest marathon dressed as a mammal (male) – 4:06:35, 2021 London Marathon[10]
- Fastest half marathon dressed as a mammal – 1:50:05, 2021 Great North Run (record later broken)[5]
- Most marathons run in the same three-dimensional costume (male) – 113 marathons, 2025 London Marathon[8]
Other activities
[edit]Outside of running, Green works as a removals operator. He is also a children's book author, having published Matumaini, the Rhino's Hope in 2020.[2] He regularly visits schools in the UK wearing the rhino costume to educate children about wildlife conservation.[11]
Bibliography
[edit]- Matumaini, the Rhino's Hope (2020). ISBN 978-1838750091
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "'Rhino boy Chris' from Christchurch completes London Marathon dressed in 10kg costume". Bournemouth Echo. 2025-04-28. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b "'Rhino Boy' Chris tackles Yorkshire Marathon for charity". York Press. 2021-10-25. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ "'Rhino Boy' Chris completes his 50th marathon - and tops more than £14,000 to help save the rhino". Craven Herald. 2022-04-14. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ "MEET OUR RECORD-BREAKING RHINO-ENTHUSIAST CHRIS". Manchester Marathon. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b "Christchurch man to complete 100th marathon dressed as a rhino". Bournemouth Echo. 2024-01-28. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ "Why this die-hard rhino fan is running 100 miles from London to Oxford in 24 hours". 2018-11-20. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ "Chris 'Rhino Boy' Green is running 40 extreme challenges dressed as rhino to save his favourite mammal". 2020-01-29. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b Shead, Rosie (2025-04-27). "More than 40 world records broken by London marathon finishers". The Standard. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ "More than 40 world records broken by London marathon finishers". 2025-04-27. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ a b "Rhino Boy Chris wins himself a place in the Guinness World Records". Craven Herald. 2021-10-05. Retrieved 2025-04-28.
- ^ "Rhino Boy Chris Inspires St Gabriel's pupils". Retrieved 2025-04-28.
External links
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