Race Information:
Quick Info:
There are no official timing services; Run to the Shrine is a fun run/walk.
Course distance: approximately two miles uphill and two miles back down into the Zoo.
Course elevation gain: nearly 1,000 ft.
Safety:
Bring your own hydration. There will be water stations at mile markers 1, 2 and 3 on the race course, but bring your own water/water bottle for access to constant hydration. (Remember the elevation gain!)
Updated Stroller Policy for 2025: We love our family participants! We strongly recommend reviewing our general course and risks information, especially before selecting a stroller to bring. Due to the course’s extreme mountain grade (which includes steep drop-offs and some areas without guardrails), we only allow jogging strollers that have a wrist or waist tether and hand brakes on the course above the Zoo. We will check to make sure your stroller meets those two requirements before we allow you to continue past the top of the Zoo, but beyond that, you are responsible for your family’s safety.
For the safety of all participants, we do not allow skateboards, roller blades/inline skates/Heely's®, bicycles or pets in the Zoo or on the Run course.
Bring layers. The weather can change quickly on the mountain. We recommend bringing a warm removable layer and rain protection. Bonus points for picking up your commemorative T-shirt at the Race Expo before starting up the hill!
A True Mountain Experience: Shrine Road is an historic mountain road that extends beyond Zoo-maintained property. While we do a general safety check of the course before this event, some conditions and elements, like weather, are outside of our control. Here are some points to keep in mind:
• Staff and volunteers with radios for emergency communication are available at volunteer water stops along the course. An ambulance is on-site for the event, to address minor medical needs or transport guests who need further medical attention to nearby hospitals.
• Shelter from inclement weather will not be available along the course.
• We are unable to efficiently or safely transport participants – unless there’s a medical emergency – while the course is open (5 to 7:30 p.m.)
• This is not a timed event. If you do not wish to begin your ascent upon your arrival due to weather or any other concerns, you may begin anytime before 6:30 p.m. (All participants must be off Shrine Road and back inside the Zoo by 7:30 p.m.) If you don’t wish to participate at all, please be aware of our no-refund policy. (You will still have access to the Zoo and our post-race expo, and can still claim your shirt if you decide not to participate in the course above the Zoo.)
About the Course:
The Run to the Shrine race course starts by the Grizzly Grill, goes through the Zoo, up the mountain to Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, and back down into the Zoo. You'll experience breathtaking views the entire time.
At the halfway mark, the Shrine parking lot, a themed photo booth and incredible views of the city below provide the perfect backdrops for your celebratory summit photos. The Shrine grounds and building will be closed during the event.
You can begin your ascent after getting your ticket scanned at the Zoo’s Admissions booths between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Plan to start closer to 5 p.m. if you need more time to complete the course.
Experience the course, the Zoo and the Race Expo in whatever order you'd like, but be sure to begin the race course no later than 6:30 p.m. and finish no later than 7:30 p.m. You can stay in the main part of the Zoo until the event closes at 8 p.m.
