Absolutely bananas: Gorillas go ape on barmy charity run through London's urban jungle
On your marks, get set, go-rilla! These wacky racers ran round the urban jungle today dressed like they were aping a wild animal.
As temperatures soared for September, more than 1,000 made it round the 4.3 mile (7km) central London course wearing furry gorilla costumes.
And as the mercury hit 23C, the sweaty runners cris-crossed the Thames going over Tower Bridge, back over London Bridge, then Southwark Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge.
Going ape: Competitors dressed in gorilla outfits start the Great Gorilla Run
Running wild: A runner jogs across London Bridge in central London
Gorilla warfare: A suited up runner bounds towards a bystander
They passed a series of London sights including the Tower of London, HMS Belfast and The Tate Modern.
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The Great Gorilla Run was held by The Gorilla Organisation to highlight the plight of gorillas in the wild and is expected to raise £400,000 for the cause.
According to the NGO, there are only 720 mountain gorillas and the species is in danger of extinction.
Strolling: Some ran and some sauntered down the 4.3 mile course
There's Nor-way that's a gorilla: People dressed as gorillas with Norwegian vests took part
Putting its feet up: A gorilla, in a tutu, takes a breather
The Gorilla Organisation helps provide community-based employment and education projects in Africa that aim to reduce pressure on areas of threatened gorilla habitat.
Its run is now in its eighth year.
Conservationist and television presenter Bill Oddie was there at the start line to fire the pistol before the runners set off and congratulated the winner at the end.
Law of the jungle: A bemused man looks on as he's passed by a gorilla brandishing drumsticks
Taking the lead: A gorilla stops off to answer a call from the wild
Very ape-y: Bill Oddie presents a medal to the winner
After the race, Amanda Williams said on Twitter: 'Had a fab time at the Great Gorilla Run. Let's hope all the money raised from our monkeying around helps save some mountain gorillas.'
She added: 'My gorilla suit is actually steaming inside its plastic case! Nice.'
Another runner Brad Chuck said: 'Great Gorilla Run. Done! 56 mins and 1 second. What a giggle! But my word the heat was immense. Team gorilla next year anyone.'
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