In a word, taking part in the Great Gorilla run is a riot. A total riot. An unforgettable day. A chance to run amuck, incognito, disguised as the greatest of apes and really letting your hair (well, fur) down.

From the outset as gorillas mill around at the starting line comparing gorilla fancy dress – it’s clearly not enough just to be a gorilla for the day when you could be a pirate gorilla, a sporting gorilla or a gorilla ballerina – the buzz of the day is electric. And then after words of inspiration from Bill Oddie, what more could you ask for(?), its three, two, one and you’re off… jumping and skipping, hooting and hollering and generally aping around as you start the run.

‘Run’ of course being a very loose word in this instance. Our motley crew - accessorised as gorilla break dancers - stopped at any given opportunity to form a circle and ‘throw down’ our best moves, purist breakers were politely asked to look away. Just terrific fun, the highlight coming once we’d reached the Southbank, performing for the most confused and bemused looking tourists, some of which ‘got it’ and others who must have left London thinking they’d been on planet crazy.

And as the stunts get wilder, the fun just gets better, and pretty soon you’ve forgotten all about the race and are more concerned with keeping your day as a gorilla going for as long as possible. A quick stop off in the VW show room to peruse a possible golf, none were fitted with banana holders, and it’s back on the gorilla trail. And as the finish line draws in sight it’s time for one last group break-off on. Doing my best to spin on my back, I can barely contain my laughter – nor joy – as I hear Mr Oddie announce “and I’m not quite sure what this gorilla is doing, some kind of fit?”.

Thank you Gorilla Org, thank you Bill, thank you London for being a city in which this event can happen. Without doubt the best fancy dress party I’ve ever been to, and probably the best day out of the year. Oh, and lest I forget there’s also the great feeling of raising money for the most inspiring of charities, though frankly I’d do it all again purely for my own selfish fulfilment! – Tom Adams (Gorilla convert)