8 a.m. – 5K start
9:30 a.m. – Awards Ceremony at Ford Pavilion
Ready, get set...charge! Run through the Zoo at the second-annual Run Like Wild 5K! This is Atlanta’s only 5K race where you might catch a glimpse of lions, elephants, or gorillas!
Show us your wild side, dress up in your finest stripes, spots or feathers, and let’s run for the red panda, this year’s spotlighted species! All proceeds support Zoo Atlanta’s superior animal care and education and conservation programs.
This is a rain-or-shine event; however, in the case of extreme weather, race updates will be posted here and emailed to all participants.
REGISTRATION:
- 5K and Virtual registration opens February 3 through April 19
- Advance online registration only.
- No mail-in or race day registration available.
- Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Virtual Runners (all ages):
Prefer to support us from across the forest? Run with us virtually from home or on your own trail!
$40 February 3 through April 19
Virtual Runner registration* includes:
- One Run Like Wild event T-shirt - mailed to each virtual participant
- Finisher’s medal
*Please note: We are unable to guarantee its arrival before race day due to longer than usual shipping times.
How to be a Virtual Runner:
- Register online.
- Decide a time and place to run, walk, or stroll a 5K. It’s up to you to run alone, with your human friends or with animal friends!
- Record your distance and time using a fitness tracking app, smart watch or treadmill time/distance. Take a screenshot or photo!
- Submit your time here with your screenshot or photo before the May 31.
- Show off that medal and T-shirt, take a selfie and tag us at #OnlyZooATL!
5K(ages 3+): SOLD OUT!
Run, trot, or stroll through historic Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta for this Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Race starts outside the Zoo Atlanta front gates and ends inside Zoo Atlanta at the Ford Pavilion. Strollers, baby joggers and pets are NOT permitted.
5K Registration Includes:
- Chip timing
- One Run Like Wild event T-shirt
- Finisher’s medal
- Post-race food and drink at the After Party
- General admission to Zoo Atlanta after the After Party
COVID-19 note: As part of our commitment to the continued well-being of our guests, team members and the animals in our care, and in ongoing efforts to assist our community in preventing the spread of COVID-19, learn more about what to expect at Zoo Atlanta.
EARLY PACKET PICK-UP:
When: Thursday, April 21 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Location: Big Peach Running Co. 800 Peachtree Street N.E. suite B & C
Picking up for others? Please have their name and confirmation number ready.
RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP:
Onsite beginning at 7 a.m. at Zoo Atlanta
AFTER PARTY & COSTUME CONTEST:
Gotta ‘panda’ to you… after the race, you should celebrate!
Join us for the After Party at the Ford Pavilion inside Zoo Atlanta! Stay for music, games, photo ops and awards. You may enter and enjoy Zoo Atlanta at 10 a.m.
Show us your wild side for the costume contest! The best, cutest, most outrageous, and creative costumes could win two Aldabra Tortoise Wild Encounters.
AWARDS:
Awards will be announced and presented at 9:30 a.m. at the Ford Pavilion inside Zoo Atlanta.
- Top overall finishers in the following categories will enjoy a pair of tickets to an upcoming Zoo Atlanta 21+ event: 21-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over.
- Top overall finishers in the following categories will enjoy a pair of Treetop Trail tickets: under 10, 10 - 13, 14 - 17, and 18-20.
- The top three donors will receive a Rhino Wild Encounter, Family Membership or a four pack of general admission tickets. Qualified donations must be made before 5pm on April 22.
- The Costume Contest winner will enjoy two Aldabra Tortoise Wild Encounters.
SPECTATORS:
Spectators can cheer you on at the starting line or along the course in Grant Park. Spectators may purchase a general admission ticket or present their Zoo Atlanta Membership for entry into the Zoo at 10 a.m.
Questions? Contact publicevents@zooatlanta.org
Registration fees
Virtual Runner All Ages Closed
Online registration closed-
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$40.00Jan 31 – Feb 17
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$40.00Feb 18 – Apr 19
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ClosedApr 19 – Apr 19
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5K Individual (Ages 3+) Closed
Online registration closed-
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$45.00Jan 31 – Feb 17
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$50.00Feb 18 – Apr 19
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ClosedApr 19 – Apr 19
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General Questions
Q: Are you offering a Virtual Run?
A: Yes! See registration details for more information on the Virtual Run!
Q: What time should I arrive on race day?
A: We encourage all participants and spectators to arrive by 7:15 a.m. to ensure parking availability and allow for adequate time, warm up, and get to the starting line at the Zoo Atlanta front gates.
Q: Where can we park for the race?
A: Metered parking is available in the parking lot on Cherokee Avenue and in the Grant Park Gateway parking facility on Boulevard. Parking areas are owned by the City of Atlanta and managed by AAA Parking. Sorry, but event registration does not include parking validation. To learn more about parking, click here.
Q: What will the weather be like in Atlanta during April?
A: In April in Atlanta, the average high-temperature is 72.5°F, and the average low-temperature is 51.4°F.
Q: Is there a bag check?
A: No, there will not be a bag check available. Please plan to only bring items you are willing to carry with you.
Q: Will there be food?
A: Yes, light refreshments will be provided at the After Party (while supplies last). We will only allow race participants access to the After Party.
Q: Are spectators allowed?
A: Considering the race course, spectators will not be allowed inside the Zoo. Spectators can cheer on runners at the start line and along the course in Grant Park. Spectators may purchase a general admission ticket or present their Zoo Atlanta Membership for entry into the Zoo at 10 a.m.
Q: Is there a rain date?
A: No, the Run Like Wild event will take place rain or shine! Should severe weather cause a cancellation, runners are encouraged to complete their race virtually.
Q: Can I get a refund if I can no longer attend?
A: Registration for fundraising events like Run Like Wild are non-refundable.
Race Questions
Q: Are there porta-potties on the course?
A: Restrooms will be available at the starting line, at various locations along the course, and at the After Party.
Q: Are baby joggers, strollers, or pets allowed on the course?
A: Unfortunately, we will not permit baby joggers and strollers on the 5K course. Pets are not permitted on Zoo Atlanta grounds.
Q: Are headphones allowed during the race?
A: For safety concerns, we strongly encourage participants to abstain from using headphones during this race.
Q: How will I be timed?
A: Professional chip and gun times will be provided by Orion Racing.
Q: Is there a course map?
A: Yes, we will have the race course map available soon.
Q: Is this considered a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier?
A: Yes!
Zoo Questions
Q: Can I stop to take photos of animals?
A: Of course! You are welcome to stop to view animals along the way. To keep the race moving, we ask to you limit your time in front of habitats to one minute.
Q: Can I visit the Zoo after the race?
A: Yes! You will be able to enjoy the Zoo after the award ceremony when the Zoo is open to the public.
Contact information
- Event contact
- Event Organizer
- Website
- Visit website
