Would you run dressed as a gorilla?

During January 2011, Austin, Texas was host to a gang of gorillas that ran through the streets of downtown. Were they loose from the zoo? No, these athletic apes were actually humans in disguise, it was all part of a 5K gorilla race to benefit the mountain gorilla conservation funds. As part of the entry fee, participants received a full-body gorilla suit to wear during the race; which, by the way, can be run, walked, skated, cycled, or completed with some other form of transportation.

The goal of the event was not to win; it was about raising funds to help Ugandans, Rwandans, and citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo with veterinary training in hopes of helping to protect the endangered mountain gorilla. In 1987, there were only 248 mountain gorillas and today there are 720, thanks in part to fundraising events like Gorilla Run. If you are not familiar with the subject, remember the Gorillas in the Mist Documentary film about the work of scientist Diane Fossey.

What’s interesting about Gorilla Run isn’t just that people run 3.1 miles in gorilla suits; is that there is a “dress up the costume” mentality where each and every person tries to make their gorilla costume unique. You’ll see everything from Adam and Eve bouncers and bouncers in 1980s-inspired aerobic leotards to businessmen’s bouncers and bouncer suits topped off with T-shirts sporting all sorts of crazy sayings. The pink tutu is also a popular gorilla costume accessory that we have noticed!

Gorilla suits aren’t the only hilarious costumes found on the roads. The leading cyclists in front of the runners are dressed in banana costumes, like dangling the proverbial carrot from the hare. Austin isn’t the only city with Gorilla Run; Denver has one and a few other locations too! If you’re looking for a reason to wear a gorilla costume, drink free Silverback beer, and support a good cause, this is your monkey kind of business.