Chris Green (born 20 July 1975), known as Rhino Boy Chris, is a British marathon runner and conservationist. An ambassador for Save the Rhino, he is known for completing long-distance races while wearing a rhinoceros costume to raise awareness and funds for rhino conservation. As of April 2025, he has completed over 150 marathons, half-marathons, and ultramarathons for the cause and holds several Guinness World Records.
Early life Green was born in Christchurch, Dorset, England. At the age of five, during a family trip to Kenya, he developed a fascination with rhinos. Learning about the threats facing rhinoceroses, he became passionate about wildlife conservation from an early age.
Running career and conservation work
In 2009, Green began running marathons to support rhino conservation. That same year, he acquired a custom-built 10 kg rhino costume he named "Spike", which he began wearing during races to attract attention and raise funds.
Since then, Green has participated in more than 150 long-distance events, including half-marathons, marathons, and ultramarathons. He has been featured in numerous media outlets for his dedication to conservation and his distinctive race-day attire.
As a committed fundraiser and awareness campaigner, Green has completed various endurance feats beyond standard races, such as: Running from London to Oxford (100 miles) in 24 hours A 50-mile ultramarathon along the River Thames Virtually climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in his rhino suit during the COVID-19 lockdowns
As of the 2025 London Marathon, Green has completed 113 marathons wearing "Spike", earning him the Guinness World Record for the most marathons run in the same three-dimensional costume (male). In total, he has raised over £37,000 for Save the Rhino.
Guinness World Records Fastest marathon dressed as a three-dimensional animal (male) – 4:32:26, 2019 London Marathon Fastest marathon dressed as a mammal (male) – 4:06:35, 2021 London Marathon Fastest half marathon dressed as a mammal – 1:50:05, 2021 Great North Run (record later broken) Most marathons run in the same three-dimensional costume (male) – 113 marathons, 2025 London Marathon
Other activities Outside of running, Green works as a removals operator. He is also a children's book author, having published Matumaini, the Rhino's Hope in 2020. He regularly visits schools in the UK wearing the rhino costume to educate children about wildlife conservation.
Bibliography Matumaini, the Rhino's Hope (2020).
References
External links
Chris Green’s 100th race in rhino costume – BBC Sounds