A hugely popular fun run will be returning to Clapham Common, The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust announced today.

The Enormous Elephant Run will be taking place in south London on June 8 and Clapham residents are being invited to take part.

The fun run can be completed as a 5K or 10K challenge and will raise funds for the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Entrants will also have the opportunity to have their faces painted and there will also be elephant costumes on offer. The fun run is also dog-friendly.

Hannah Goodwin, Fundraising and Events Officer at the Trust, said: “Whether you’re sporty or just fancy going for a fun morning stroll with us, The Enormous Elephant Run is a fantastic opportunity to get together, do something a little different on a Saturday morning and help us save a species that needs our help."

Now in its sixth year, organisers of the Run hope to raise £50,000 through the event for the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s conservation projects which include providing specialist care to orphaned milk dependent elephants so that they can return back to the wild when grown.

Wandsworth Times:

Enormous Elephant Run 2018 in Clapham Common. © Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

One of East Africa’s oldest and most pioneering conservation charities, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust operates a world-famous Nursery for orphaned elephants.

Through their Orphans’ Project, the trust rescues, raises and re-integrates orphaned elephants who have lost their mothers as a result of poaching, human-wildlife, drought and natural causes.

Hannah added: “Back in 2004, the Sheldrick Trust was called to rescue a three month old orphaned elephant calf who we later named Lualeni. Fast-forward fourteen years and countless bottles of milk and Lualeni is now living back in the wild protected by our ground and air teams. Even more special, she has recently become a first time mum to a new baby.

“With the help of Clapham’s residents, we want to be able to offer this hope of a life back in the wild to the 86 orphaned elephants currently in our care."

Wandsworth Times:

Enormous Elephant Run 2018 in Clapham Common. © Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

There will be plenty of family friendly activities on offer for participants to enjoy including a 1K kids’ fun run and face-painting.

The 5k course is also suitable for off-road buggies and dogs are welcome to participate too, while London-based social enterprise The Good Slice will be serving wood-fired pizza for runners.

All proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s works to protect Africa’s elephants and wildlife.

Wandsworth Times:

Enormous Elephant Run 2018 in Clapham Common. © Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Early bird registration costs from £22 an adult and £9 for children. Dressing up is not required, but elephant onesies, t-shirts and elephant ear headbands are available for purchase for runners looking to stand out from the crowd.

As well as participants, the Sheldrick Trust is also seeking volunteers to help during the event.

Interested volunteers should contact: eventsuk@sheldrickwildlifetrust.org for more information

More information: www.enormouselephantrun.com/london.