SHE’S hoping to be running instead of hopping but tomorrow Kate Sayer is running the Reading Half Marathon dressed as a bunny to raise money for Oxford’s Story Museum.

Head of learning at the museum Mrs Sayer, 32, from Oxford, said: “I bought the rabbit costume online. It is quite warm and it will keep me cosy.

"I am a bit nervous about running in a costume. You look silly but it is great for raising awareness.”

She will raise funds for the museum’s new exhibition which features 26 beloved children’s characters portrayed by authors such as Malorie Blackman, Anthony Horowitz and Neil Gaiman.

The exhibition is to open at the museum in Pembroke Street in Oxford on April 5.

Mrs Sayer said: “The rabbit is the motif for our building project. It is a big push and I am hoping to raise £500.”

Although she will be weighed down by her bunny suit, the runner still plans to finish the 13-mile race in two-and-a-half hours.

She said: “I have been training since November. I think I will definitely finish it, but it might be a bit slow.”

Mrs Sayer ran the Cardiff Half Marathon last October and dressed as Where’s Wally for another half marathon last March.

Other runners will be former paratrooper Ian Spackman from Cholsey, who is running his eighth half marathon despite being diagnosed with lung cancer and Ashgar Ali, a postman, who will raise cash for Great Ormond Street Hospital. A team from Abingdon School will run in aid of Clic Sargent. The half marathon will be the first challenge for Tom Hill, 29, of Wallingford, who is raising cash for The Encephalitis Society, after the death of his brother Nicky from the disease.