If you thought you saw hundreds of Easter bunnies running around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park this weekend, you weren’t going hopping mad.

Newham Recorder: The Bunny Run saw participants take on a course around Queen Elizabeth Olympic ParkThe Bunny Run saw participants take on a course around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Image: Archant)

The Bunny Run saw families take on circuits of one, three or five kilometres on Saturday, with those under eight taking part in the Little Bunny Fun Run.

With no experience necessary. many shunned the traditional lycra and instead chose to embrace the festivities by dressing for the occasion.

Runners wearing rabbit ears, fluffy tails and even onesies were handed medals as they crossed the finish line, before enjoying hot cross buns and a visit from the Easter bunny himself.

Organised by activeNewham, it was a way to burn off those chocolate calories while enjoying the spring sunshine.

A spokesman said: “It was great to see so many families coming out for our first Bunny Run.

“Everyone said how much they enjoyed taking part particularly as this wasn’t a race, but a fun way to get more active in this beautiful park.”

He added that more fun runs around the park are planned for later in the year.

If you prefer your animals real, though, Gallions Reach Shopping Park was the place to be.

Dr Zoolittle’s impressive menagerie saw young visitors able to hold a real Easter chick or bunny, while those brave enough could also meet something less cute and fluffy.

Shoppers could get up close with snakes, bearded dragons and even tarantulas as part of the animal activity day.

Eggwina the chick and Bradley the bunny were also on hand to pose for pictures and take youngsters to the Easter egg hunt that was taking place inside Smyths Toys Superstore.

Catherine Goddard, the shopping centre’s manager, said she was “delighted to be able to offer a fun range of free activities over the holidays”, with another day of Easter entertainment planned for Saturday.