Argos Animal Sanctuary manager Andrew Brown plans to run the Cyprus Marathon on April 10 in novel way – by wearing a dog costume.

He will run the 42.195 km through the streets of Limassol and the surrounding areas, Argos said in a news release.

“Unlike the others though, seasoned marathon runner Andrew will run the whole race in temperatures forecast to reach 22 degrees wearing a dog costume,” it said.

Brown, it added, was passionate about animal welfare, and as the newly appointed manager of the Argos animal sanctuary in Ormidhia, “his enthusiasm and hard work has already brought about huge changes and improvements to the shelter” which is home to over 200 abused and abandoned animals.

“He had heard of the growing  stray population on the island and the often appalling and illegal conditions under which many animals are kept before, yet was still shocked by what he found and the endless stream of abandoned animals brought to the shelter have opened his eyes fully to the crisis,” Argos said.

Brown will run not only to raise much needed funds for the shelter but to raise awareness for every animal in need

It said that after his own mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer , Brown began running for charity and has completed four London marathons and two in New York.  This will however be the first time that he has run in fancy dress.

Volunteers from Argos will also be manning a stall at the event and moving amongst the crowds with donations buckets.