Many marvelled at the speed of the panda racing through Run Norwich and now the man behind the mask has revealed himself.

A host of runners dress up in fun outfits at big races but the rapid panda caught the eye during the 10km race for competing near the front of the pack, of more than 6,000 runners.

Matt Webster, who works at Aviva, has been running for five years and has been smashing his times repeatedly as he has focused on getting quicker.  

Norwich Evening News: This is Matt Webster's Run Norwich in the panda head This is Matt Webster's Run Norwich in the panda head (Image: Matt Webster)

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Finishing in an impressive 97th place in 38 minutes and three seconds, the 36-year-old from Hethersett said: “I really wasn’t expecting to come in the top 100!” 

The Wymondham AC member puts a lot of his success down to the panda head - which is fitting as he fundraises for the World Wildlife Fund - as it makes the whole crowd get behind him.  

He said: “I bought the panda head for the Manchester Marathon and wore it for the entire run.  

Norwich Evening News: He said he likes wearing the head because it means the whole crowd is behind him He said he likes wearing the head because it means the whole crowd is behind him (Image: Matt Webster)

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“I got so much support from the crowd that it made it go faster, so last year I decided to bring it to Run Norwich 2022.  

“Norwich is a hard race because it is not particularly flat so I thought the panda head would help to make it more fun.  

Norwich Evening News: His next challenge will be Richmond Marathon His next challenge will be Richmond Marathon (Image: Cambridge Half Marathon)

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“Last year I wore glasses, and they kept fogging up inside, so it was impossible to see curbs and speed humps.  

“I have since had my eyes lasered so was able to see somewhat better so this year I decided to go as hard as I could, and I managed to finish with a personal best.”  

And Matt will be keeping the panda head for the sheer joy it brings him.  

Norwich Evening News: Matt Webster has been running for five years and enjoys beating his personal bests Matt Webster has been running for five years and enjoys beating his personal bests (Image: Cambridge Half Marathon)

He said: “I get so many shouts and cheers from the crowd. Someone said this year ‘sounds like you have the whole crowd behind you’ and it really does feel like that.” 

Matt will be running the Richmond Marathon on September 10 where he once again hopes to smash a PB.  

Norwich Evening News: He said that due to the crowd response, he runs faster when he wears the panda head He said that due to the crowd response, he runs faster when he wears the panda head (Image: Matt Webster)

Bright and brilliant  

Among those trying to bring something different and exciting to the race were people from Amber’s Army as they added a splash of colour and magic to the run.  

The charity was set up by the parents of Horsford eight-year-old Amber Sheehy, who died of a brain tumour on January 14.

It had 88 runners participate at Run Norwich, with five dressed as unicorns – raising £13,000.

Norwich Evening News: The panda wasn't the only unusual animal to run the race The panda wasn't the only unusual animal to run the race (Image: Epic Action Imagery)

Amanda Sheehy, Amber’s mum, said: “I’m blown away by the love and support of everyone. 

“It’s been six months since Amber died so to raise so much money is amazing. 

“We thought we’d raise maybe £6,000 or so, but to raise double that means we can help even more families who are going through the same thing we did.” 

Norwich Evening News: Amber's army ran in their pink t-shirts, complete with a handful of unicorns Amber's army ran in their pink t-shirts, complete with a handful of unicorns (Image: Amanda Sheehy)