Zoo Run | Fort Worth Zoo

Join us for the 24th annual family-friendly 5K and 1K fun run! Run, walk or jog your way along the Zoo’s lush main path and beautiful surrounding neighborhoods in support of the Zoo's local and international conservation and education efforts.

Entry Fees & Registration

Individual	Early (January 19 to March 19) - $30 Standard (March 20 to 31) - $35 Race Day (April 1) - $40 Sleep-In - $30
School Groups (K-12)	$20 per person, 10-person min. by March 19
Teams	$25 per person, five-person min. by March 19
Timing device	$3
Zoo members receive a $2 discount

Zoo Run is a USATF-certified course.

View Course Map

Team Registration

Minimum of five people per team.
All runners registering as part of a team must register by Sunday, March 19.
Runners registering after March 19 must register as individuals.
The team captain must pick up runner packets for the entire team.
For questions about registering a team, please call 817-759-7384 or email racedirector@fortworthzoo.org.

School Groups (K-12) Registration

Minimum of 10 people per school group.
All runners registering as part of a school group must register online by Sunday, March 19.
Runners registering after March 19 must register as individuals.
The team captain (or someone designated by him/her) may pick up runner packets for the entire group together or students may pick up their own.
For questions about registering a school group, please call 817-759-7384 or email racedirector@fortworthzoo.org.

Sleep-In

Consider yourself more of a night owl than an early bird? Do you only run when something is chasing you? If so, then the Sleep-In option is the perfect way for you to participate in Zoo Run without leaving the comfort of your bed while also supporting the care and feeding of the Zoo's animals. Sleep-In participants will receive access to the virtual runner bag, a Zoo admission ticket and Zoo Run T-shirt. (No portion is considered a charitable contribution.)

Zoo Run Race Day Itinerary

Saturday, April 1, 2023
Time	Event
6:30 to 7:30 a.m.	Registration and packet pickup
7:30 a.m.	1K Fun Run (starts and finishes at 5K line)
7:35 a.m.	Aerobic warm-up with Abundio’s Fit Society
8 a.m.	5K (timed or untimed) *course closes after 1 hour and 15 minutes Yoga cool-down for 1K finishers with Yoga Six
9 a.m.	Fort Worth Zoo animal outreach presentation
9:15 a.m.	5K awards ceremony

View Course Map

Packet Pickup

March 27 to 31, 2023

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

TYLER'S

1621 River Run #101

Fort Worth. TX 76107

You are strongly encouraged to pick up your runner packet before race day. Shirt sizes are not guaranteed on race day.

Race Information & Guidelines

Early registration guarantees a Zoo ticket, access to the virtual runner bag, T-shirt*, as well as a timing chip, if desired.
T-shirt sizes are not guaranteed if you register on Race Day.
Races include a 5K (timed and untimed) and a 1K Fun Run.
The 5K course will close after 1 hour and 15 minutes. Runners finishing after the time limit will be pulled off course for safety purposes.
For everyone's safety, all strollers must move to the back of the start line in the timed 5K race. Staff members will enforce this rule.
No pets, tents, bicycles or inline skates allowed.
The Fort Worth Zoo is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

*T-shirt sizes are based upon availability.

Parking Information

Limited parking is available in the Zoo's main parking lot via Forest Park Blvd. Colonial Parkway will be closed to all thru traffic.
Please allow as much as an hour for parking.
Colonial Parkway will be closed to all thru traffic.
Visit the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) website for race-day traffic information.

View Parking Map

Weather

Zoo Run will be held rain or shine. In the event of or threat of severe weather (lightning, hail, heavy winds, thunderstorms), we will notify participants of cancellation on the Zoo Run webpage and on our social media channels.

Timing

Zoo Run will be timed by RunFar Racing Services.
The timing device used for Zoo Run is a B-tag and is located on the back of your runner bib. Do not remove the device from the bib. It must be on the outermost layer of clothing to activate.
Timing devices are $3 and are optional.
Runners that do not begin the race within 15 minutes of the start time may not be timed properly.

Awards and Costumes

PLEASE NOTE: Competitive awards will only be given to timed participants in the 5K. The 5K course will close after 1 hour and 15 minutes. Runners finishing the race after the time limit will be pulled off the course for timing and safety purposes.

5K Awards

Masters and Overall for male and female finishers
Top three male and female finishers in the following age categories: 0 to 6, 7 to 8, 9 to 11, 12 to 13, 14 to 16, 17 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54, 55 to 59, 60 to 64, 65 to 69, 70 to 74, 75 to 79, 80+
The largest school group and largest team will receive an award.

Costumes

Zoo Run participants are encouraged to dress up like their favorite Zoo animal!

A few rules:

Zoo Run is a family-friendly event; all costumes must be appropriate for all ages.
For everyone’s safety, all adults (ages 13 and older) must leave their faces clearly visible and identifiable at all times – this is for your own safety during the race and for the safety of all guests.
You must wear your race bib on the front of your costume so it is visible.

Volunteers

Whether you have volunteered with us in the past or this is your first time, anyone is welcome to contribute and we are grateful for your support! Here are some things to note for your day:

Arrival time: 6 a.m.
Departure time: 10:30 a.m.
Volunteer cost: $5 (includes T-shirt and Zoo ticket)
You must be 16 years or older to volunteer.

All volunteers receive a T-shirt and Zoo ticket. Space is limited, so register soon. After registering, you will receive more information to help you plan for the morning. Please email volunteer@fortworthzoo.org if you have any questions about volunteering for Zoo Run!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my child?

Children ages 3 and older must register for Zoo Run. A Zoo Run T-shirt and Zoo admission ticket (valid through Dec. 31, 2023) are included with each registration.

Will I get a refund for my registration if I am not able to participate?

As a nonprofit, the Fort Worth Zoo does not issue refunds for any special event. If you are unable to participate in Zoo Run, you may still pick up your T-shirt and Zoo admission ticket and will have access to the virtual runner bag. You may also transfer your registration to another person for a nominal processing fee.

What if it is raining the day of Zoo Run?

The race will be held rain or shine. In the event or threat of heavy rain, lightning, high winds or hail, which could compromise participant safety, the race could be cancelled. As a nonprofit, the Fort Worth Zoo does not issue refunds for any special event.

How do I pick up my bib and T-shirt if I am on a team?

Only the team captain (or an individual they’ve designated) can pick up bibs and T-shirts for those registered as part of a team.

Where should I park for Zoo Run?

You can find parking information here.

May I bring a stroller for my children?

Yes, you may use a stroller at Zoo Run. For safety purposes, we kindly ask participants with strollers to line up at the back of the heat for both races.

How do I know where to line up at the start line?

Serious runners like to line up near the front of the start line, as well as those using timing chips. If you’re planning to walk or have a stroller, kindly start near the back of the heat

Where do I pick up my timing chip?

The timing device used in Zoo Run is a B-tag, and the device will be attached to your bib when you pick it up. Do not remove the timing device. Your bib must be on the front outermost layer of your clothing.

Do I have to use my Zoo ticket the day of Zoo Run?

No, the Zoo ticket you receive with your Zoo Run registration is valid through Dec. 31, 2023, except during Boo at the Zoo.

Will there be a place to store my keys/belongings while I run?

For safety purposes, the Fort Worth Zoo can’t store personal belongings of any kind. Please leave all personal items locked in your car or keep them with you while you run. The Fort Worth Zoo is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

May I register on race day?

Unless the race is sold out, yes, you may register online or onsite until 7 a.m. on race day. Preferred T-shirt sizes are not guaranteed for day-of registrants.

May I pick up my bib, T-shirt and Zoo ticket on race day?

Yes, but you are strongly encouraged to pick up your runner packet before race day. T-shirt sizes are not guaranteed on race day.

How do I access my runner bag?

In an effort to “go green,” the Zoo will be distributing digital runner bags filled with special offers from our sponsors via email in the days leading up to race weekend. Keep an eye on the inbox of the email address you used to register and be sure to check your spam folder.

Thank you to the 2023 Zoo Run sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor

Packet Pickup Sponsor

Contributing Sponsor

Exhibitor Sponsor

By sponsoring an event at the Fort Worth Zoo, your company will benefit from corporate exposure through advertising and collateral, including event signage, zoo publications and our website.

For more sponsorship information, please email specialevents@fortworthzoo.org or call 817-759-7372.