A group of Wallies after crossing the finish line. Pic: Silje Dammen

A total of 1,200 runners dressed in “Where’s Wally” costume ran a 10km course in Victoria Park to raise money for the National Literacy Trust.

A total of £67,000 was raised for the Trust who work to improve the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

The family event was backed by Olympic champion Sally Gunnel OBE. She said: “As a mother of three I believe the most important thing a family can do is spend time together. Sharing books and exercising together are both great ways to do this, and that is why I am supporting the National Literacy Trust’s Where’s Wally? fun run.”

Meghan du Toit, 29, participated in today’s run with her friends. She said: “Running today was absolutely awesome, the first 5km was okay, the last 5km was awful, but we made it. The costumes are brilliant and perfect for the occasion.”

When the group were asked what the best thing about the run was, the unanimous reply was: “Finishing!”

Ruth Heyes, 29, ran the course after facing her own struggle with literacy at school: “My confidence really took a hit when I was at school because my literacy was never up to standard. That’s why I feel so passionate about what the National Literacy Trust does in providing support for disadvantaged children to go on and fulfil their potential by getting the literacy skills they need.”

“”I’ve really enjoyed running dressed as Where’s Wally in the sunshine today, it’s been a fantastic way to do something silly for a good cause! All the runners have been so cheerful and vibrant and the atmosphere has been amazing!”

Anna Jones, one of the event organisers, said: “We are so grateful to have had over a thousand fantastic supporters prepared to run for literacy dressed as Where’s Wally!”

It is the second year that the Literacy Trust has hosted the fancy dress fun run in Victoria Park, and the charity intends to continue the event on an annual basis.