Student to run marathon in aid of endangered rhinos

A STUDENT from Berrick Salome will run the London Marathon dressed in a rhino suit.

Jaz Stanmore, 21, decided to raise money for conservation charity Save the Rhino after visiting Kenya with her father Carl last year and learning that the species is endangered.

Ms Stanmore, who studies sport and exercise at the University of Portsmouth, said: “I have done quite a bit of running before, including a few ultra-marathons with my dad.

“I went to Kenya with him and we ran a 230km ultra-marathon together. We got to see rhinos in the wild, which was really cool, and is where the idea of helping stemmed from.

“I started running when I was in the sixth form. I have run a 50km, which is more than a marathon, but I have never run a marathon.

“I just love running as it makes me feel really good. I feel incredible after I have completed a run and it is good for you.”

She began her training for April’s London Marathon last month.

Ms Stanmore said: “I have been running 60km to 70km per week for the last four weeks and I try to run at least five times a week.

“I am at university at the moment so I am having to balance running with studying. I am in my final year so I am writing my dissertation.

“I also play lacrosse and there are matches on Wednesdays and training two or three times a week, so it is a case of trying to fit everything in.”

Ms Stanmore will wear a full-body rhino suit, which weighs about 10kg.

She said: “I am really excited about it but also a bit nervous. To run around London will be really special, even in a big rhino suit.

“I am aiming to finish in about five to five-and-a-half hours but I will not be upset if I don’t do that because I am sure running with the extra 10kg will be challenging.

“If I was not in the suit, I would be aiming for a quicker time. My dad has run the London Marathon before so I will be running in his footsteps, which is really nice.

“It is such a big race and one of the six major marathons in the world. It is going to be so exciting.”

Ms Stanmore said it felt good to be helping rhinos after seeing them live and discovering they were under threat.

“Knowing that the money goes straight to saving the rhinos is so important,” she said.

“The charity has a really good set-up where out of every pound that is donated 89p goes to saving rhinos. The rest is for fundraising and other costs.

“It is an excellent charity that puts as much into saving the rhinos as it can.”

Ms Stanmore will be one of about 20 people in rhino suits, all raising money for the charity.

She said: “When I started looking at running for Save the Rhino they offered a slot with or without the suit. I thought if I am raising money for them I might as well go all out and experience it in the suit.

“Right now I am focusing on training but my dad and I are looking to run an ultra-marathon in Namibia next November.”

Ms Stanmore has to raise £2,500. She has currently made £350 and will be hosting a pub quiz at her university to try to raise more funds.

She said: “It is going to be quite challenging as it is a lot of money to raise but I hope to bring in some more by doing other bits here and there.

“Donations can make a real difference in helping to protect these endangered animals and ensure their survival for future generations.

“It would mean the world to me to have people support this vital cause. Any donation, big or small, would be greatly appreciated.”

To make a donation, visit https://tinyurl.com/Jazsavetherhino