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Press Releases
Celebrities run wild to save Planet Earth
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A team of celebrities is heading to Kenya for Saving Planet Earth – Running Wild.
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Jon Culshaw (Dead Ringers), Kelli Young (Liberty X), Les Dennis (comedian), Michaela Strachan (presenter) and Jeremy Edwards (Holby City) are donning their running shoes to raise money for the 91Èȱ¬ Wildlife Fund.
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They will be joined by Ruby Wax (comedienne) who is grabbing her ra-ra skirt to go along as the team's sponge girl.
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The Safaricom Marathon in Lewa, Kenya, is run on dirt roads and has gained a reputation for being one of the ten toughest marathon events in the world.
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The results of the race will be shown during the exciting fund-raising finale Saving Planet Earth – Live on Friday 6 July.
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This will be followed on Monday 9 July by Saving Planet Earth – Running Wild, a special programme which will follow the celebrities as they embark on the race of their life.
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The Saving Planet Earth season across the 91Èȱ¬ is focusing on the plight of endangered wildlife. It kicks off on Sunday 24 June with a show presented by Sir David Attenborough examining the impact of humans on the planet.
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Michaela Strachan says: "There are a lot of parallels between the marathon and saving endangered animals. It's a race against time. There's no quick fix – it takes time and determination.
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"At times it's an uphill struggle, progress is easier when a lot of people are aiming for the same thing. It's a huge undertaking but if people want to do it and put their minds to it it's achievable."
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Run on a rough terrain and under harsh climatic conditions, the Safaricom Marathon is run within a game reserve at 5,500 feet above sea level, allowing competitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run alongside zebras, giraffes and other wildlife.
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Citing Sir David as the person he would most like to be stuck in a lift with, Les is delighted to be doing his bit for the 91Èȱ¬ Wildlife Fund.
He has started on his training schedule in earnest and is working hard to ensure he's fit enough to brave the blistering sun and rough terrain in Kenya.
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Kelli Young says: "I'm particularly looking forward to the Maori tribe teaching me some traditional African dance moves!"
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She's not as excited about the camping but is happy to give it a go to help raise money for the 91Èȱ¬ Wildlife Fund.
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You can show your support for the runners by donating to the 91Èȱ¬ Wildlife fund to help save the world's endangered wildlife.
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To show your support for the team log on to bbc.co.uk/savingplanetearth or call 08705 100 700 or send a cheque by post to 91Èȱ¬ Wildlife Fund, PO Box 60905, London, W12 7UU.
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