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 Swag item (To be announced)
- Sustainable wood Finisher Medal, designed by local artist Rocky Yim, depicting a Tundra scene, and crafted by ChopValue
- 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 plan to welcome 1,150 of you for a paws-itively amazing experience in 2026!
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.
You can review the terms and conditions in your original confirmation email to see if you are eligible for a refund.
Can I transfer my registration to another participant?
Yes, participants can transfer to someone else online until Sunday, February 8.
How to transfer:
1. You must initiate your transfer using the Race Roster Transfer Tool.
2. Once you select that you would like to transfer to a new participant, you will be prompted to enter their e-mail address.
3. Once you initiate the transfer, the new participant will receive an e-mail with a link to complete the transfer.
4. Once the new participant completes registration, paying the registration fee and $10 administrative fee, the original participant will be refunded automatically and made inactive.
No transfer of funds is required to be made outside of Race Roster.
Note that only transfers following this process will be recognized. You do not need to e-mail us if you are transferring your registration, you will just need to follow the instructions noted above.
Can I transfer into another sub-event?
Yes, participants can transfer between distances online until Sunday, February 8.
How to transfer:
1. You must initiate your transfer using the Race Roster Transfer Tool.
2. Once you select that you would like to transfer to a new sub-event, you will be prompted to complete the registration form. You must re-select any products selected and paid for during the initial registration. These will not carry over automatically.
3. After completing the transfer to the new sub-event, paying the $10 administrative fee, your original registration will become inactive, and any difference in price will be refunded.
You do not need to email us if you are transferring your registration, you will just need to follow the instructions noted above.
What is the exclusive Move Your Paws swag item?
This year's Move Your Paws swag item is still in development, but you can be assured it will be cute. :-)
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 the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy and their important work to support healthy and engaging living environments for the animals at the Toronto Zoo. Over the last 11 years, Move Your Paws has contributed greatly to improving the living conditions for the resident polar bears, including the recent 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. This year, the funds raised from the 2026 Move Your Paws event have been earmarked to continue to improve the habitat of the Tundra Trek residents, specifically the creation of a Training Wall for the Arctic Wolves, to improve keeper care with the wolves and allow for enhanced interaction with the public.
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 21 - 8:15 a.m. - 5K Run/Walk Race Kit Pickup Opens
February 21 - 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 exclusive swag item, 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 - Beside the Indian Rhinoceros Pavilion
1K Start Line - 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.
