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Danny Coyle

Here's what Men's Running Editor, Danny Coyle, had to say about his latest challenge, taking on our half marathon in a giant squirrel costume. Which, we might add, he completed in an impressive time of 2hrs 31mins 19secs!

What made you take on the challenge to run dressed in the Royal Parks Foundation mascot costume – Chester the Squirrel?
I was offered the opportunity by the Royal Parks Foundation (the charity for London's eight Royal Parks) and I’m never one to turn down a challenge! Running in a big fancy dress outfit is on a lot of runners’ bucket lists and this was my chance!

How did running in the mascot costume impact your running ability?
I had a gait analysis in the suit to check before race day whether there were any issue that would make a big difference to my style, and I was given some strengthening exercises to help negate the swish of Chester’s big bushy tail, which did the trick! On the day it was very hot, which made it hard going in the second half of the race.

How did your training for this challenge differ to your usual half marathon training?
I headed out on the Thames towpaths dressed in the suit on a few occasions, and was of great interest to some angry looking dogs every now and then. In general it was important to get some miles in the suit and get a feel for how it would behave. I knew I wasn’t going to break any land speed records during the race so my training just focused on finding a comfortable pace to manage the suit.

How did running in costume change your race day experience?
I got more shouts of encouragement than I ever have dressed in normal running gear, and it made for a really fun experience. The fact that my friends and family were kitted out in Team Squirrel t-shirts and had banners made up was a big boost, especially in the latter stages. My fellow runners were also really helpful and encouraging, and many of them simply told me I must have been mad.

Apart from being mistaken for a racoon, what is your lasting memory from race day?
The camaraderie among the runners, the a scenery along the route itself and the request from Newsreader Sophie Raworth to have a picture taken with me after the race!

What are three things that make the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon stand out for you from other running events?
The historic route, the unique view you get of the parks and the wooden medal.

What is your top tip for race day?
Save some fuel in the tank for a sprint finish, you wouldn’t want to get beaten buy a giant squirrel.

What is your top tip for fancy dress runners?
Practice in the suit and be prepared for a whole lot more attention than you’re used to!