It’s Monkey Business this Weekend at The Big Monkey Mile!

Physical feats and family fun will be the order of the day on Sunday the 4th of August, as leading primate welfare charity, Wild Futures launch a brand new event in Plymouth’s Central Park: The Big Monkey Mile.

The Big Monkey Mile will kick off at midday with a one mile fun run around the park. All participants are encouraged to sport monkey-themed fancy dress to take part in the event; which promises to be an entertaining affair for the local community. Each runner will receive a Big Monkey Mile medal upon completing the one mile course, and can then relax for the afternoon and enjoy a well-deserved picnic.

There will be family entertainment for participants and spectators, with fun activities for all! The Big Monkey Mile is open to all ages and abilities, and families are able to register for only £10.  Participants are also encouraged to raise sponsorship to support the work of Wild Futures and The Monkey Sanctuary.

Wild Futures is a charity with almost five decades of experience as a leader of primate welfare, environmental education and sustainable practice. The charity’s current largest project is The Monkey Sanctuary in Cornwall; a rescue and rehabilitation centre for ex-pet monkeys. Wild Futures is working hard towards the day when all monkeys are free from the threat of the pet trade, free from malnutrition, mental, physical and emotional suffering.  Many of the monkeys that are rescued suffer from severe physical and mental issues such as diabetes and self harming, following their time kept as pets.

Hayley Dann, Head of Income Generation and PR, Wild Futures, states: “We have received many registrations for the Big Monkey Mile and would love to see many more people turn up on the day to take part.  We will therefore be taking registrations on the day between 11am and 11:40am before the run starts at midday.  This great summer event is a fantastic opportunity for families in Plymouth to get out and enjoy a fun day together; with all the proceeds from the event supporting the vital work of Wild Futures. We are receiving calls regularly to rescue more monkeys who are suffering in unsuitable conditions, but need to raise more funds in order to do so. The Big Monkey Mile will not only be great fun, but will enable Wild Futures to rescue and re home more monkeys in need.

Whatever your level of fitness, reasons for taking part and aspirations, we guarantee you will finish this run with a smile on your face!”

Registration opens at 11am at the clock tower, Central Park and will close at 11:40am.  Radio Plymouth’s Jemma Jones will be starting the run at midday.  The Big Monkey Mile is supported by Happy Monkey Smoothies and participants will all receive a free Happy Monkey Smoothie drink upon finishing the event. For further information about this event, please contact Hayley_dann@wildfutures.org or call 07436 274330.