PRE-RACE
What is included with my Move Your Paws entry?
Your entry includes all these “Pawesome” perks:
- Personalized race bib
- Exclusive Move Your Paws coaster crafted by ChopValue
- Finisher medal with this year’s featured polar bear, Hudson
- Official chip-timed results, courtesy of Enfield Timing
- 1 free professional race photo
- Post-race treats
- Complimentary admission to the Toronto Zoo for the day
- Complimentary parking on race day
- Half-price admission to the Toronto Zoo for your non-participating friends and family
- A chance to win awesome prizes
What is the Registration Cap for both events?
We hope to welcome just over 1,000 of you for a paws-itively amazing experience in 2025!
What are the processing fees that I'm charged with my registration?
Race Roster collects a fee on all transactions (processing fees) as this is an industry standard. Their team assists our races from beginning to end, and this fee allows them to provide meaningful customer support to all participants, covers merchant costs of processing the transaction, the technology costs of developing an online registration platform, includes event cancellation protection for participants in the case of an emergency, and ensures that the online race experience is seamless for all.
What are the age requirements? How old must I be on Race Day?
There are no age requirements for the event. For anyone under 12, we encourage them to be accompanied by an adult.
If I live outside of Canada, can I register for the event?
Yes. International participants are welcome to move their paws with us too!
If the race is cancelled for any reason, will we be refunded our entry fee?
In the case of an in-person race cancellation, participants will have the option to transfer into the virtual event or receive a refund.
Can I cancel my registration?
Race entries are non-refundable and non-deferrable, as noted in the waiver you accept during registration. However, you can transfer your registration to another participant or transfer to a different sub-event.
Can I transfer my registration to another participant?
Yes, participants can transfer between events and distances until February 9th at 11:59pm EST.
To transfer your registration to another person, visit the event page and click the 'Transfer' button on the left-hand menu. There is a $10 administrative fee to transfer to another participant.
You do not need to email us if you are transferring your registration, you will just need to follow the instructions linked above.
Can I transfer into another sub-event?
Yes, participants can transfer between events and distances until February 9th at 11:59pm EST.
To transfer your distance, visit the event page and click the 'Transfer' button on the left hand menu.There is a $10 administrative fee to transfer between events, plus any additional registration fee difference between events.
You do not need to email us if you are transferring your registration, you will just need to follow the instructions linked above.
What is the exclusive Move Your Paws swag item?
A custom coaster, crafted by ChopValue from 100% recycled bamboo chopsticks!
Will I receive a charitable tax receipt?
Donations of $20 or more made to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. These will be issued automatically once transactions are complete.
Does the event support a charity?
With a fundraising goal of $35,000, every dollar raised will directly support your Toronto Zoo’s Polar Bear Life Support System (LSS) Project. This project involves modifications to the existing pool for our four polar bears, including new housing for advanced mechanical and filtration systems to allow for a saltwater system and adapting the current Tundra Trek pathway. These bears are used to saltwater and by upgrading our polar bear habitat, we will improve the experience and overall, well being for the bears currently living at the Toronto Zoo.
RACE DAY
What time should I show up on race day?
We recommend arriving 45 minutes before your race start time.
5K Run/Walk Start - 9:00 a.m. (so plan to arrive by 8:15am)
1K Run/Walk Start - 9:45 a.m. (so plan to arrive by 9:00am)
When is Race Kit Pickup?
Your race kit will be available on race morning at the main entrance to the Toronto Zoo (2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7).
February 22 - 8:15 a.m. - 5K Run/Walk Race Kit Pickup Opens
February 22 - 9:00 a.m. - 1K Run/Walk Race Kit Pickup Opens
Will the events be timed?
Yes. The 5K & 1K events will be timed by Enfield Timing.
Are you allowing spectators at the event?
Absolutely! The Toronto Zoo will be providing half-price admission to all non-participating friends and family. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.
Will there be bag check available on race day?
Yes, Bag Check will be offered on-site from 8:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Will strollers be allowed on course?
Strollers will be permitted for both the 5K and 1K distances.
What adaptive devices are allowed on course?
Recreational, push rim & motorized wheelchairs (with a speed limit of no more than 5 km/hour) are allowed on course. Handcycles will not be permitted on course.
Please note that this course has a lot of hills, so those participating with an adaptive device might require a support person.
Can I participate with a support person?
Yes! The participant will register using the online registration system.
Your guide has 2 options:
1. The guide can participate in the event at no cost. They will need to complete the guide registration form and wear two “GUIDE” bibs, one on their front, and one on their back.
2. The guide can pay the full registration fee. They will receive the custom coaster, bib with timing chip & finisher’s medal. They will need to wear the event “GUIDE” bib on their back.
When the participant picks up their race kit, they will receive the additional “GUIDE” bib(s).
If you have any questions about the information above, please contact paws@canadarunningseries.com.
If you require an alternate assistive device or have any questions or comments with respect to the Accessible Customer Service or registration process offered by Canada Running Series, please contact us at paws@canadarunningseries.com.
Can I participate with a service animal?
- Accreditation documentation by a recognized Assistance Animal program or equivalent. Only working animals (not including retired, trainee and companion animals), are permitted on course.
- The service animal must wear an identification harness for the duration of the event.
- The owner is responsible to clean up after their service animal.
- Race officials have the right to refuse participation if the service animal poses a safety concern.
What is your Equity, Access and Inclusion Policy?
Equity, Access and Inclusion Policy
Organizers of the Canada Running Series strive to create safe and welcoming events for all interested participants, including accommodations and assistance to address any potential participation barriers.
Declaration of Inclusion
On behalf of the Canada Running Series, the organizers hereby declare an invitation to participate in the event to all interested and willing parties. We hereby declare our intention to create an event that adheres to principles of social equity and inclusion and is open, welcoming, safe, and accessible.
Statement of Accessibility
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Canada Running Series has established a process for accessibility inquiries pertaining to each of the events. Canada Running Series is committed to access for all participants and spectators involved with the events.
Requests and Feedback Mechanisms
To ensure proper communication and to optimize organizer’s ability to best meet accommodation requests, requests must be received to Canada Running Series 1 month prior to the event date. All requests for accommodations will be acknowledged within 72 hours.
For these and any other accessibility requests, or for more information, please contact paws@canadarunningseries.com.
Canada Running Series is committed to ensuring the best possible experience for all participants & spectators. Participants & spectators can submit feedback regarding the activities and facilities at the event, including responsiveness to accessibility needs, following the link in our Post-Race email and filling out the survey.
Will there be a water station on course?
There is no water station set up on course, however, water will be available at the post-race water station following your race.
Is there water at the finish line?
Water will be available at the post-race water station.
Is there food at the finish line?
Yes, participants will have access to snacks in the post-race area.
Where is the start and finish line?
5K Start Line - inside the main entrance to the left, beside the Indian Rhinoceros Pavilion
1K Start Line - inside the main entrance to the right, in front of the Zootique
Finish Line - beside Goat World, before entering the Discovery Zone
*The course is subject to change.
Is there a course time limit for the races?
Yes.
5K - 1 hour and 30 minutes
1K - 1 hour
Are there washrooms at the start line?
Yes, there are Toronto Zoo washrooms available.
How do we join your mailing list?
To join our newsletter mailing list, please click here.
You can also visit www.canadarunningseries.com for race dates and more info and keep an eye on our social pages for news.
