As one of the oldest short-distance races in Chicago, this year’s course is largely on zoo grounds, allowing runners to wind past winged creatures, gallop alongside gazelles, and race next to rhinos. After you complete the race, join all participants for a post-race celebration on the zoo’s Main Mall.
The race attracts nearly 6,000 participants annually and often sells out before race day.
This USATF-certified, timed race is the highlight of the Chicago running calendar. Join us for the 38th annual zoo run! Each participant receives a zoo-themed tech shirt!
Did you know?
It costs over $60,000 a day to keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open to the public 365 days a year! Your registration helps make possible state-of-the-art animal care, worldwide conservation, and wide-ranging education programs.
Zoo members receive a $5 discount on all events if registered by June 3, 2016. Enter the first 3 digits of your member number in the promo code section before check out.
Race Start Times
7:45 a.m. - 5K
8:30 a.m. - 10K
10 a.m. - Safari Stampede
Registration fees
10K Closed
Online registration closed-
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$39.00Feb 9 – Apr 10
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$44.00Apr 11 – May 15
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$49.00May 16 – Jun 2
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5K Closed
Online registration closed-
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$34.00Feb 9 – Apr 10
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$39.00Apr 11 – May 15
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$44.00May 16 – Jun 2
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Safari Stampede Closed
Online registration closed-
Ages 8 & Under
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$15.00Feb 9 – Apr 7
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$20.00Apr 8 – May 15
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$25.00May 16 – Jun 2
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Course
The 2016 5K and 10K courses are designed for the best possible participant experience!
The Safari Stampede mini obstacle course will be held on the South Lawn, near Park Place Café inside Lincoln Park Zoo gates.
No dogs allowed on course. Strollers are welcome, but runners must start at the back of the heat.
Safari Stampede
The Safari Stampede is a mini obstacle course for kids to express their inner animal! Children ages 8 and under can participate in the Safari Stampede, located on the South Lawn near Park Place Café.
Registration fee required; includes a special event participation shirt! This event SOLD OUT two months early last year and is capped at 250 registrants, so register early!
Packet Pick-Up
Friday, June 3
Location & Time: TBD
Saturday, June 4
Location & Time: TBD
Sunday, June 5
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo
6:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.*
* Please arrive early to ensure efficient registration. Registration ends 15 minutes prior to each event. Races sold out in advance last year, so please arrive early!
Tech shirts will be offered in men's and women's sizing once again for all 5K and 10K participants. Desired T-Shirt size is not guaranteed. Sorry, no T-Shirt exchanges!
Safari Stampede T-Shirts are unisex and available in youth small, medium, large and x-large sizes.
Parking Information
Paid parking is available in the zoo’s parking lot on Cannon Drive for a special rate of $15. Parking is limited, so please arrive early. Please visit our Locations & Directions page for more information.
Sponsorship
Reach more than 6,000 runners and spectators by becoming an official event sponsor! Contact Ryann Kehoe, Manager of Corporate Alliances, at 312-742-2287 or rkehoe@lpzoo.org.
Volunteers
We need 200+ volunteers to make this event successful! Volunteer positions include Packet Pick-Up, Finish Line, Course, Water Stations and more. Volunteers will receive a special Lincoln Park Zoo shirt. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 312-742-2124 or email volunteer@lpzoo.org. Bring a friend!
Event schedule
- Sun, June 5, 2016 7:45 AM - 5K Run/Walk Start
- Sun, June 5, 2016 8:30 AM - 10K Run Start
- Sun, June 5, 2016 9:00 AM - Post-Race Celebration Begins
- Sun, June 5, 2016 10:00 AM - Safari Stampede (Ages 8 & under)
Contact information
- Event contact
- Jenny Adler
