Zoo Atlanta Run Like Wild 5K

7 a.m. – 8 a.m.: Packet pickup open in front of Zoo Atlanta’s main entry gates

8 a.m.: Spectator ticketholders permitted through the Education Conservation Gate.

8 a.m.: 5K race and After Party in the Ford Pavilion begins

8:10 a.m.: 5K starting line and chip timing closes

9 a.m.: Awards Ceremony and Costume Contest begin in the Ford Pavilion

9:30 a.m.: Zoo Atlanta opens to the public

10 a.m.: After Party concludes

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q: Are you offering a Virtual Race?
A: Yes! More information on the Virtual Race available here.

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: My company, organization or large group (10+ people) is interested in participating in the 5K race. What should we do?
A: Great!

If each person will be paying their own registration fee, they should register individually and enter a designated team name during the registration process. The team leader can contact publicevents@zooatlanta.org for a list of your team’s registrants. Let us know in advance if you plan to pick up race packets for your entire group.

If your company, organization, or group will cover registration fees for your entire group, please contact publicevents@zooatlanta.org to arrange. Let us know in advance if you plan to pick up race packets for your entire group.

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 Run Like Wild is 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 a.m. to ensure parking availability and allow for adequate time, warm up, and arrival at 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 Start 2 Finish.

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, but with some limitations due to the nature of the course! Visit the Zoo Atlanta event page for more information and to purchase tickets.

Q: Can I dress in costume?
A: Yes! Dress like wild in your best spots and stripes! Awards for the “Best Kid”, “Best Adult,” and “Best Group” will be presented at the After Party after the Top Finisher awards.

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.

Q: Will I see animals along the zoo portion of the course?
A: Animals along the course like elephants, gorillas, lions and more will be in their main habitat depending on various factors like weather and temperature. We cannot guarantee they will be visible.

Q: Will I be able to see the giant pandas?

A: Giant pandas will be visible in their outdoor habitat or dayrooms after the race. Learn more about giant pandas and Zoo Atlanta’s conservation efforts. Read the latest Zoo Atlanta panda news here!

Enjoy the best of wildlife on this beautiful and hilly course through Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta!

VIEW THE 2024 COURSE MAP HERE

• 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.
• The course may occasionally have narrow pathways. Please exercise caution and be aware of other runners.
• Finish line: Inside Zoo Atlanta in front of the Ford Pavilion.
• Runners with strollers, baby joggers and pets are NOT permitted.
• The Run Like Wild 5K is a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier!

Spectators will be permitted in the following areas:

• At the starting line and in Grant Park: Spectator ticket or Zoo Membership is not required.
• At the finish line and After Party: Spectator ticket or Zoo Membership reservation is required. See below!

Get spectator tickets:

• Due to the nature of the course, a very limited number of spectator tickets will be available on February 1, 2024 until sold out.
  • Non-Members: Purchase tickets online in advance.
  • Zoo Members: Reservation required at no cost.
    
    
• Entering the Zoo: Spectators can enter starting at 8 a.m. through the Education Conservation gate. Please present your spectator ticket or Member reservation to enter. Follow signs to spectator areas.
  
  
• The Zoo’s front gates will not be open until 9:30 a.m. when it is open to the public.
  
  

Spectator ticket includes:

• Access to the finish line on Grand Patio, the Orkin Children’s Zoo, the After Party in the Ford Pavilion, and panda viewing areas. Please note animals may still be sleeping and may not be viewable.
• Admission to the Zoo after 9:30 a.m.
• Does NOT include: Access to the course inside of Zoo Atlanta, finisher medal, snacks and water, entry to the Costume Contest.
• Ticket valid for April 27, 2024 only. Nonrefundable and not transferable to another date.

Limited tickets available. Get yours here!

Q: Where can I watch the race?
A: Cheer on runners at the starting line or along the course in Grant Park at no cost. 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. Purchase your tickets here.

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. Spectator ticketholders will be able to watch runners cross the finish line.

Q: What time can I get into the Zoo?
A: Spectator ticketholders may enter the zoo starting at 8 a.m. from the Education Conservation gate located on the south side of the Cherokee Ave parking lot. Please present your spectator ticket or Member reservation to enter.

Q: Can I see animals while I wait for my friend to cross the finish line?
A: Spectators can enjoy limited animal viewing in the Orkin Children’s Zoo and at the giant panda habitat. 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.

Q: Why can’t I go through the rest of the Zoo?
A: Some pathways along the course inside the Zoo are narrow. For the safety of all, spectators will be able to cheer on their friends at the finish line.