Event Description
The bi-annual Run Wild 5k returning Spring 2021!
Welcome to the Run Wild 5k event at the Metro Richmond Zoo. This year we are celebrating the endangered African Penguin!
Experience the Zoo from a whole new perspective! Come out for some exercise and lots of FUN, on Saturday, May 8th! Grab your racing shoes and get ready to sprint around the perimeter of your favorite local zoo - the Metro Richmond Zoo (including their Cheetah Conservation Center!) Your morning run will consist of a 3.1 mile run or walk. This all-terrain course takes you around the perimeter of the Zoo as you dash by rhinos, zebras, cheetahs and more! After you cross the finish line, each runner can visit the Zoo for FREE! Any spectators that come with you will receive a 10% discount off their zoo admission tickets for race day.
Our newest 2021 addition: Run Wild Mini!
This 1 mile fun run is designed for children age 4 - 11. But runners of all ages are welcome with a participating child. Parents must participate with a child age 4-7. This course goes through some of the pathways of the zoo and a few all-terrain portions as well. Parents can run with their children, but will also require a ticket. Children under 4 (stroller riders) do not need a ticket. *Strollers must be able to handle all-terrain (gravel 5%, grass 20%, dirt 5%, pavement 70%).
SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE
The endangered African Penguin
"The African penguin is native to the south and west coasts of Africa. The IUCN has listed African penguins as endangered. It’s estimated that the current population of African penguins consists of 70,000 breeding pairs; this is 10% of the population that existed in 1900. Their population decline is mainly attributed to oil spills, habitat destruction, and competition for food.
In the wild, their average lifespan is around 15-20 years, but in captivity they can live much longer. The Metro Richmond Zoo has the oldest penguin in the US at age 41.
Our African penguin conservation program is one of the most successful in the country. Since 1996, 258 African Penguins have been hatched at the Zoo. Currently, the Zoo is home to 33 penguins. The Metro Richmond Zoo participates with Zoological Association of America (ZAA) Animal Management Program (AMP) for penguins." - Metro Richmond Zoo website
100% of Run Wild's net proceeds from this race will benefit the African Penguin through these 3 reputable organizations. Click on their links to see how they are making important contributions to mitigate this species' extinction.
African Penguin Conservation Program - Metro Richmond Zoo
Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds - Namibia and South, Africa
Dyer Island Conservation Trust - South, Africa
WHEN
Saturday, May 8th 2021
TIME
Mini - Start waves every few minutes from 8:00 am - 8:15 am
5k - Start waves every few minutes from 8:30 am - 9:30 am
WHERE
Metro Richmond Zoo
COST
Run Wild Mini
- $20 (Non Zoo Member) $15 (Zoo Member) Pre-registration
- $25 (Non Zoo Member) $20 (Zoo Member) Same day registration
- + Event t-shirt and same day zoo ticket - $10
Run Wild 5k
- $45 (Non Zoo Member) $40 (Zoo Member) Pre-registration
- $50 (Non Zoo Member) $45 (Zoo Member) Same day registration
AGE
Run Wild Mini
- This 1 mile fun run is designed for children age 4 - 11. But racers of all ages are welcome with a participating child.
- Mini Runners must be at least 4 years old to run
- Mini Runners 4 - 7 years old must have an adult run with them
Run Wild 5k
- 5K Runners must be at least 8 years old to run
- 5K Runners 8 -11 years old must have an adult run with them
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Run Wild Mini
- Entry to race
- Race bib
- Post race refreshments
- Support African Penguin Conservation
- **Event t-shirt and same day Zoo ticket available for $10 more**
Run Wild 5k
- Entry to race
- Race bib and timed results
- Event t-shirt
- FREE same day ticket into zoo
- Post race refreshments
- Support African Penguin Conservation
ZOO MEMBERS
If you are a current Zoo Member, follow the prompt at the end of registration to receive $5 off your entry.
Zoo Members must provide their membership card for validation on race day at the check-in; otherwise you will be charged the remaining $5 fee before race entry.
PARKING
Parking is FREE. Please follow parking attendants as they will guide all runners/spectators into a designated parking lot.
