10 years of chicken run for dedicated supporter of Sheffield Children’s
Fabian Cruz or ‘Chicken man’ as he is also known, has spent a decade running in a distinctive feathery costume, raising thousands of pounds to support Sheffield Children’s Hospital in the process.
He has conquered several half marathons and countless 10k races around the region. But it is his feathery outfit that makes him one of the most recognisable faces on race days.
54-year-old Fabian, who works as a chef in Sheffield, started running in the costume to show solidarity with his homeland Chile in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake and tsunami.
Fabian explains: “I had decided to run for The Children’s Hospital Charity, but I wanted to show my support for Chile too as I was born there.
“I tried to think of a superhero from my childhood, but all I could remember was a chicken advert. So, chicken man or ‘superpollo’ was born.”
Combining a chicken suit with the Chilean flag as a cape and a bandana, Fabian admits to being unsure about the outfit first time around:
“I wasn’t convinced but the support I had was great. It is very hot and quite difficult to run in, but the reaction is worth it. I love hearing people shout ‘go chicken man!’
For Fabian, supporting Sheffield Children’s Hospital is also a deeply personal cause:
“I made a promise to keep running for as long as I can in memory of my son and daughter who sadly passed away in 1986 and 1987. I saw first-hand what the staff at Sheffield Children’s Hospital do to try and save a life and the equipment that it takes.
“I was really grateful for everything the hospital did and decided to try to make a difference. It’s difficult to know for sure, but I’d estimate that I’ve raised around £30,000 since I started running. I’d like to think that maybe over the years I’ve helped someone at the hospital.”
For the past four years, Fabian has run alongside 25-year-old Stuart Bastidas. Stuart is the son of one of his friends from Chile and moved to Sheffield to study. He has continued the chicken theme, dubbing himself super ‘pollito’ or little chick.
Stuart said: “I have known Fabian since I was around five, but we didn’t see him very often as we were based in London. I had heard through Facebook groups that there was a Chilean running in Sheffield dressed as a chicken with the national flag on his back.
“I later learned that it was Fabian and I went to his restaurant to ask if he was running the 10K that year and if he needed a hand with his fundraising. The rest is history.
“I couldn’t be prouder of him. His drive to raise money for a cause that means so much to him really shows and he’s become a legend in the local Latin American community here. I’ve also seen the impact Sheffield Children’s has on the local community, so I could not be happier to fundraise for a great cause.”
Rachael Thomas, Events Fundraising Officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity added: “Fabian is always one of the first to sign-up for our running events every year and often challenges his friends to join him, but it is his costume that he is most well known for
“I’ve no idea how he manages dressing up every year, but he’s an inspiration to us all. Fabian and Stuart’s unwavering support has and will continue to the lives of our young patients at Sheffield Children’s Hospital for generations to come.”
If you would like to run for The Children’s Hospital Charity at this year’s Sheffield Half Marathon on Sunday 29th March, there are still some limited Charity places available. Secure your place here.