Runners go ape for charity

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LONDON, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- A charity that protects endangered apes says runners in London set a world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as gorillas.

Saturday's sixth annual 7K Great Gorilla Run featured 750 runners raising money for the Gorilla Organization, which protects apes in central African rainforests, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

"The event has got better every year and the atmosphere among the runners and spectators is incredible, said race spokeswoman Jillian Miller, estimating the race would raise nearly $400,000.

Runner James Burton, 25, an account manager in London, said he runs regularly but finds it that much harder in a "hot and heavy gorilla costume."