Battersea Park will host 'Where's Wally?' Fun Run in aid of child literacy this March

A Where's Wally? themed fun run will paint Battersea Park in white and red stripes when it returns from a three-year hiatus this spring.

The Where's Wally? fun run became the UK's first educational fundraiser of its kind when the inaugural dash was held in 2013.

Interrupted by the pandemic, the event's revival on March 26 in this, its 10th anniversary year, will once unite runners of all ages and athletic abilities as they don the legendary red-and-white striped shirt, bobble hat and glasses of beloved fictional character Wally.

A sea of Wallys, as well as creating a sight to behold on race day, will support the National Literacy Trust in its vital work to raise literacy levels across the UK.

Credit: The National Literacy Trust

In England alone, 16.4 per cent of adults have 'very poor literacy skills'. As well as placing limitations on an individual's job prospects, poor literacy limits a parent's ability to support their child's learning, thereby locking the disadvantages into an intergenerational cycle.

All the money raised by the Where's Wally'? fun run will directly support children from economically disadvantaged areas in the UK in their reading, writing and communication skills.

To take part costs £20 per adult (£15 per child) and Wallys can walk, jog or run a 10km, 5km or 1km challenge (for children under 12).

Credit: The National Literacy Trust

Once registered, all runners can order their free Wally costume, complete with glasses and bobble hat.

Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: "I am looking forward to seeing hundreds of Wallys walking, jogging and running around Battersea Park in all their red and white striped glory in aid of our charity.  

"Every single runner taking part will help our mission to change the life stories of disadvantaged children in the UK. All the money raised from the fun run will go towards the National Literacy Trust's vital work to help children across the UK who most need literacy support.

"Improving literacy skills leads to success at school, better job opportunities, economic success, better mental wellbeing, and a longer life expectancy."

To find out more and register for the 2023 'Where's Wally?' Fun Run in Battersea Park, visit The National Literacy Trust / Where's Wally Fun Run.

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