Superheroes and dinosaurs take to the streets of Northampton to put smiles on faces during lockdown

During unprecedented times as the global pandemic of coronavirus wreaks havoc with daily life, there are people doing their best to keep community spirits high.

Across Northampton in several neighbourhoods, local people have taken to the streets on their once-a-day exercise, dressed as various different superheroes, and a dinosaur, to put a smile on people’s faces.

The idea originated from a T-rex on a scooter in Grange Park, which has now turned into superheroes taking turns around the estate, as well as Duston and Upton throwing up some friendly superhero competition.

Neo Ribeiro, the T-rex and original Grange Park runner, said: “It was Mother’s Day and I thought we were heading into lockdown so I thought I’d do something silly.

“I had a T-rex costume from Halloween, so I stuck it on and went out on a scooter.

“My wife thought I was mental but it made some people smile. The reaction was amazing.

“I thought people would say ‘who is that numpty?’, but everyone loved it.

“Then we went into lockdown so I started using my one outing a day to go out in my suit.

“So many other people have joined in now with other costumes, so I don’t have to go out as much as I did.

“Everybody is being sensible and following the social distancing guidelines, but it’s keeping people going and keeping people smiling.”

After Neo’s original T-rex outing, more runners have joined in and they have created a Facebook group called ‘Grange Park Avengers’, where a list is being made so children can tick off the superheroes they have seen.

Spiderman is one of many on that list.

The superhero, who is protecting his identity, said: “It was hilarious when Neo first did it and I used to do fun runs in the suit so I went out as Spiderman.

“I had loads of people waving and smiling. It was infectious, uplifting and gave people a positive spirit.

“It helps me just as much as I am helping everyone else as when I first did it a couple of weeks ago I could just do two miles, and last night I did six miles.

“I’ve made a Facebook called Peter Parker. I keep it anonymous as it gives me a weirdly nice feeling.”

But there’s Spiderman competition in the town as both Duston and Upton have their very own web spinner.

Steve Harley, also known as Duston’s Spiderman, has already been out once and is planning his next mission.

He said: “I can’t claim the original idea. That came from the guys in Grange Park and I thought Duston can’t be left behind.

“I did a fun run about two years ago so I had the costume from that.

“The real heroes are those working for the NHS and the key workers, clearly.

“For those of us that do not have these relevant skills, if this can raise a smile and keep morale up, that’s something we can do.

“I’ve heard there is a Batman in Upton too so there’s some friendly competition between neighbourhoods.”

Steve is hoping to run in his suit at least once a week and is also looking to acquire another costume.

He also wants other members of the community to get involved to spread some more joy.

Just down the road, there is yet another Spiderman set to spin his web on the streets of Upton tonight (April 2).

La Terraza Tapas Bar took Facebook to let everyone know the superhero would be in the area at around 5pm.

The post said: “Spider-Man is hoping to pass by all the doors and all the windows of all the children in Upton (especially those who have put lovely messages in the window).”

Are you, or anyone you know also running to bring joy to others during the lockdown? If so, lets us know.

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