News Release
 
Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org
 
August 15, 2022
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Note: Scroll down to end of release to download photos.
   

Brookfield, Ill. —  For those who prefer a fast pace like Brookfield Zoo’s African painted dogs or a slower speed like Raisin, a Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, everyone can help win the race for wildlife by participating in the zoo’s annual Zoo Run on Sunday, September 11. Proceeds from the 5K and 1-Mile Kids’ Dash benefit the Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Care and Conservation Fund, which supports research and education efforts at the zoo and around the world.

No matter the age, runners and walkers are invited to join in the race presented by Aquafina and Gatorade and sponsored by Duly Health and Care. Family and friends of participants will receive free zoo admission to cheer on their favorite runner and can stay after the race to enjoy the zoo.

The 5K chip-timed race and walk kicks off promptly at 8:30 a.m. Afterwards, youngsters between the ages of 4 and 13 years old can sign up for the 1-mile Kids Dash, which begins at 9:30 a.m. Both races start in the Discovery Center parking lot and take participants through the zoo past many of the animals, including bison, giraffes, African lions, white pelicans, black rhinoceros, and Bactrian camels to name a few.

Awards and prizes will be announced onstage at 10 a.m. to the first-, second-, and third-place male and female finishers in the 5k as well as the top three finishers in the Kids’ Dash.

Registration for the 5k is $40 and the fee for the 1-mile Kids’ Dash is $30 (a minimal sign-up fee applies). All participants receive a fanny pack featuring the 2022 Zoo Run logo, a timed-bib, and snacks and beverages. For additional information and to register, visit CZS.org/ZooRun.

Zoo Run packets may be picked up at the main north parking lot, located at 8400 31^st Street, on Friday, September 9, or Saturday, September 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Packets also may be picked up prior to the race on Sunday, September 11, between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. at the Discovery Center parking lot.

On race day, participants must enter the zoo via the South or North Gate any time after 6:30 a.m., and proceed to the Discovery Center parking lot to line up for the start of the race. Please note, participants will not be able to access the Discovery Center parking lot by vehicle.

 
Photo Captions
41: Runners at the starting line of Brookfield Zoo's annual Zoo Run. (credit: Cathy Bazzoni/CZS-BrookfieldZoo)

6771: Participants in Brookfield Zoo's Zoo Run will follow a route that takes place inside the park. (credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo)

7079: Brookfield Zoo's Zoo Run takes place inside the park and takes runners past several animals, including the giraffe herd. (credit Jim Schulz/CZS-BrookfieldZoo)

7285: Youngsters between 4 and 13 years old can participate in Brookfield Zoo's 1-mile Kids' Dash. (credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-BrookfieldZoo)
 
About the Chicago Zoological Society
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by engaging people and communities with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Society is known throughout the world for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation. Its Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare is at the forefront of animal care that strives to discover and implement innovative approaches to zoo animal management. Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, meeting American Humane Association’s rigorous certification standards. The zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and also is accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, and CTA and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.