The 10 best fancy dress fun runs, cycles and walks in the UK

1. Notorious Night Runs 2012
There’s the Legends of Sherwood (3rd March 2012), the Yorkshire Terrier (12th March 2012), the Mighty Deerstalker (17th March 2012) and Horseplay (24th March 2012), with 5km and 10km options for each. Fancy dress is an absolute must, and there are a number of obstacles along the way for more of a challenge.

They say, “These events are designed for runners who take their fun seriously, for whom a “race face” is a mud-spattered grin. For nearly all, it’s less about fastest time, and more about having the best time, from splashing through horse-jumps in a tweed jacket and headtorch, to cutting loose in our party tent.”



2. The Sumo Run 2012
An annual 5km charity fun run around (“nice, green, flat”) Battersea Park, London, on 23rd June 2012 in inflatable Sumo suits. Also taking place in Manchester this year on 21st April 2012.



3. The Drag Walk 2012
This is a smaller race just for men: walk 3 miles in fancy dress in Wrexham on 29th April 2012, in aid of Nightingale House Hospice.



4. The Moon Walk 2012
The walk takes place in London on 12th May 2012, Edinburgh on 9th June 2012 (or Iceland on 14th June!) Walk in an amazingly-decorated bra with a “Rockin’ around the world” theme, in aid of breast cancer charity Walk the Walk. Full moon: 26.2 miles. Half moon: 13.1 miles.



5. Moonriders 2012
Cycle from London to Brighton (60 miles!), midnight to sunrise on 29th June 2012.

They say “Combining the iconic London to Brighton route with the unique sensation of night cycling; join hundreds of Moonriders in aid of some special charities on a night to remember! A party atmosphere at the start, full hospitality en route, and a celebration at the finish and it’s open to all types of bike and to riders of all abilities.” Fancy dress appreciated!

6. The Sun Walk 2012
This is a 5km, 10km or half-marathon walk for women in bras with a Caribbean Theme in aid of Breast Cancer in London on 1st July 2012. Men can enter too!

7. The Pirate Run 2012 - on motorbikes!
A now for something a little different... Don your gnarliest pirate gear on 2nd September 2012 a bike the loop from Birkenhead to Runcorn and back, in aid of CHICS Wirral, a charity that helps support the children and families of children suffering with cancer.

8. The Great Gorilla Run 2012
London’s best all-costume charity fun run – 1,000 people, all dressed as gorillas and going ape for a day. 7km in the City of London on 7th September 2012.



And, finally, two to keep an eye on that have not announced their 2012 dates yet:

9. The Chap Olympiad
An eye-catching spectacle, full of oddball elegance and quirky panache. All Olympiad guests and participants are encouraged to come in period dress and fully immerse themselves in the event’s old-fashioned activities and charming entertainment.



10. The Tweed Run (not actually a run, but a cycle!)
They say: “Now look here, proper attire is expected. Tweed suits, plus fours, bowties, cycling capes, and jaunty flat caps are all encouraged. Do your best for the highly-prized Best Dressed Man and Best Dressed Woman prizes. Dust off your vintage velocipede for the ride; prizes awarded for best vintage bicycle. If your bike isn’t quite a classic, try your hand at the best decorated bicycle competition. And of course don’t forget our world-famous Best Moustache prize — open to both men and women, of course.”