The Run Like Wild 5K event has SOLD OUT for 2023, but you can still join us virtually!
Ready, get set... charge! Run through the Zoo at the third-annual Run Like Wild 5K! This is Atlanta’s only 5K race where you might catch a glimpse of giraffes, elephants, or gorillas!
Show us your wild side, dress up in your finest stripes, spots or feathers, and let’s run for the reticulated giraffe, 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.
Be sure to check out the FAQ section below!
REGISTRATION
- Option available to run in-person or virtually.
- Registration available February 2, 2023, through April 21, 2023.
- Advance online registration only. No mail-in or race day registration available.
- Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
RACE OPTIONS
In-Person 5K (ages 3+): SOLD OUT
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 following the After Party
Virtual Race (all ages):
Prefer to support us from across the savanna? Run with us virtually from home or on your own trail! Here’s how it works:
- At registration, select the virtual race option. We’ll ship your event T-shirt and medal*.
- 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 your animal friends!
- Record your distance and time using a fitness tracking app, smart watch or treadmill. Take a screenshot or photo.
- Submit your time online with your screenshot or photo before May 6, 2023.
- Show off that medal and T-shirt, take a selfie and tag us using #OnlyZooATL!
Virtual registration* includes:
- One Run Like Wild event T-shirt
- Finisher’s medal
*Please note: We are unable to guarantee packet arrival before race day due to longer than usual shipping times.
Registration fees
Virtual Runner All Ages Closed
-
$40.00Jan 27 - Apr 21
Race Day Timeline:
- 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. - Packet pick up open in front of Zoo Atlanta’s Savanna Hall building
- 7:15 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. - Spectator ticketholders and Members permitted into KidZone and the finish line.
- 8 a.m. - 5K race and After Party in the Ford Pavilion begins
- 8:10 a.m. - 5K starting line closes
- 9 a.m. - Awards Ceremony and Costume Contest begins in the Ford Pavilion
- 9:30 a.m. - Zoo Atlanta opens to the public
- 10 a.m. - After Party concludes
Early 5K Packet Pick Up:
Skip the stress on race morning and pick up your packet early!
- Wednesday, April 19th from 3pm-7pm.
- Outside of Zoo Atlanta in front of the Savanna Hall building.
- Free 10-minute parking is available on the curb in front of building.
- Pick up your packet early and you’ll be automatically entered into a Zoo Atlanta prize drawing!
- Picking up for others? Please have their name and confirmation number ready.
The Course:
Enjoy the best of wildlife on this beautiful and hilly course through Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta!
- Starting line: Outside the Zoo Atlanta front gates.
- Runners will enter and loop twice inside Grant Park. After the second pass, runners will enter Zoo Atlanta.
- Finish line: Inside Zoo Atlanta in front of the Ford Pavilion.
- Runners with strollers, baby joggers and pets are NOT permitted.
- Race map, when available, will be posted here.
- The Run Like Wild 5K is a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier!
After Party, Awards and Costume Contest:
After a ‘giraffic’ run, you deserve to party! Join us for the After Party at the Ford Pavilion inside Zoo Atlanta! Stay for music, games, photo ops and awards.
The top male, female and nonbinary finishers in each age group based on their chip time will be recognized: Under 10; 10-15; 16-20; 21-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+
Show us your wild side for the costume contest! The “Best Kid”, “Best Adult” and “Best Group” could win some pretty ‘tall’ prizes.
Spectators:
Due to the nature of the course, a very limited number of spectator tickets will be available.
- Non-Members: Purchase tickets online or on race morning.
- Adult (Ages 12+): $30
- Child (Ages 3-11): $24
- Zoo Members: Reservation required at no cost.
- Purchase now!
Spectators will be permitted in the following areas:
- At the starting line & in Grant Park: Spectator ticket or Zoo Membership is not required.
- At the finish line & After Party: Spectator ticket or Zoo Membership is required.
- Entering the Zoo: All spectators including Members must enter the Zoo’s front gates between 7:15 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. For the safety of our runners and staff, latecomers must remain outside of the Zoo until 9:30 a.m.
- Ticket includes:
- Access to the finish line on Grand Patio and KidZone area only. Please note animals may still be sleeping and may not be viewable.
- After 8 a.m., access to the After Party in the Ford Pavilion.
- After 9:30 a.m., admission to the Zoo.
- Ticket does NOT include:
- Access to the course inside of Zoo Atlanta.
- Finisher medal, food and water.
- Entry to the Costume Contest.
- Valid for April 22, 2023, only. Nonrefundable and not transferable to another date.
Questions? Contact publicevents@zooatlanta.org or visit Zoo Atlanta's event page.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: Are you offering a Virtual Race?
A: Yes! See registration details for more information on the Virtual Race!
Q: If I register for the Virtual Race, can I participate in the in-person 5K?
A: Only those registered for the in-person 5K and receive a bib are permitted on the course.
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. This race is rain-or-shine. In the case of extreme weather, race updates will be posted here and emailed to all participants.
Q: Can I get a refund if I can no longer attend or want to switch races?
A: Registration for fundraising events like Run Like Wild are non-refundable and non-transferable.
RACE QUESTIONS
Q: What time should I arrive on race day?
A: We encourage all participants and spectators to arrive by 7:00 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. Race registration does not include parking validation so please account for extra time in your morning. Expedite your parking using the ParkMobile app! To learn more about parking, click here.
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: Due to the nature of the course, baby joggers, strollers, and pets are NOT permitted on the 5K course.
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 timing will be provided by Orion Racing.
Q: Is there a course map?
A: Yes, the race course map will be posted here when available.
Q: Is this considered a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier?
A: Yes, the in-person 5K is considered a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier! Learn more at the Atlanta Track Club.
Q: Is there a bag check?
A: No, there will not be a bag or gear check available. 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) to runners only.
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: Are spectators allowed?
A: Yes! See "5K Event Details" for more information.
SPECTATOR QUESTIONS
Q: Where can I watch the race?
A: Cheer on runners at the starting line or along the course in Grant Park! If you’d like to cheer them on at the finish line or After Party, a spectator ticket or Member reservation is required. A limited number of spectator tickets are available. See "5K Event Details" for more information.
Q: Where can I watch the race inside the Zoo?
A: Due to the nature of the course, spectators along the course inside the Zoo are not permitted. Spectators will be able to watch runners cross the finish line.
Q: What time can I get into the Zoo?
A: With a spectator ticket or Member reservation, you may enter the zoo between 7:15 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. only. If you arrive after 8:15 a.m., you must remain outside of the Zoo until 9:30 a.m.
Q: Can I see animals while I wait for my friend to cross the finish line?
A: Spectators can enjoy KidZone exhibits and Grand Patio. The After Party in the Ford Tent will open at 8 a.m. Please note animals may still be sleeping and may not be viewable.
Q: Can I bring a baby jogger, stroller or pet as a spectator?
A: Spectators can bring baby joggers and strollers. Pets, except service animals, are not permitted inside Zoo Atlanta.
ZOO QUESTIONS
Q: Can I stop to take photos of animals?
A: Yes, you are welcome to stop to view animals along the way, but please do so safely. 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: Of course! When the Zoo opens to the public at 9:30 a.m. you are welcome to enjoy the Zoo.
Contact information
- Event contact
- Event Organizer
- Website
- Visit website
