Cheyenne Mountain Zoo invites you to Run to the Shrine on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The 4-mile (~6.4K) course curves through the Zoo, up to the Shrine of the Sun and back down into the Zoo, providing some of the most stunning views in the Pikes Peak region.

Run to the Shrine has become an annual Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tradition, and it is the only time of the year that guests are allowed to travel up to the Shrine of the Sun by foot! In addition, Run to the Shrine is an important fundraiser for the Zoo.

This registration page is for Run to the Shrine on Saturday, May 20 only.

If you would like to sign up for Sunday, May 21, please click here.

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Event Details:

• Run to the Shrine 2023 is a fun run/walk with no official timing services. Runners and walkers will have access to start the ascent up Shrine Road at their leisure from the time they arrive until the course entrance closes at 6:30 p.m. Don’t forget to leave time to visit animals! Shrine Road will close to pedestrians at 7:30 p.m., so be sure to finish your round trip to the Shrine parking lot gate before then. The Zoo will close at 8 p.m.
• The race course begins near the Thundergod Gift Shop, proceeds up through the Zoo, and then further up the mountain to the parking lot of the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. The course is approximately two miles up with an elevation gain of nearly 1,000 ft., and then approximately two miles back down into the Zoo.
• 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.
• Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Grizzly Grill.
• Your commemorative performance T-shirt, featuring this year’s crowned crane mascot will be available for pick up in Lodge at Moose Lake. While you’re there, visit the vendors at our Race Expo until 8 p.m.
• Donation gifts for those who have raised $100 or more will also be available for pick up in the Lodge at Moose Lake until 8 p.m..
• Run to the Shrine will include access to Shrine Road up to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun parking lot gate. The Shrine grounds and building will be closed during the event.

Registration:

• Capacity for Run to the Shrine is limited. Advance registration is required; no registrations available at the front gate.
• Advance registration tickets are required for all run/walk participants over the age of 2. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children 2 & under are free as long as they remain in a stroller with automatic hand brakes and a tether. No registration necessary for children 2 & under.
• Spectator tickets must be purchased in advance. No ticket sales at the front gate. Spectator tickets are not required for children 2 & under. Spectator tickets do not include access to Shrine Road or any of the benefits of Run to the Shrine registration. These tickets are for Zoo access during the event only. Only registered participants are permitted on the course above the top of the Zoo.
• The race fee is not tax deductible, but any additional donations are tax deductible.

When to Arrive:

• Event opens at 5 p.m. via the Zoo’s Admissions windows. Experience the race course, the Zoo and the Race Expo in whatever order you'd like, but be sure you 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.
• Runners/walkers must start up Shrine Road (past the top of the Zoo) no later than 6:30 p.m. Shrine Road will close to all runners/walkers at 7:30 p.m. Be sure to start sooner if you need more time to complete the course.
• Once you enter the Zoo, you are welcome to stay until the event ends at 8 p.m.

Safety Precautions:

• Jogging strollers are welcome as long as they have a tether and automatic hand brakes for safety. Strollers without this specific safety equipment will be turned around at the top of the Zoo for 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.

Refund Policy:

• Refunds or exchanges for paid registrations and spectator tickets can be refunded up to two weeks prior to the event date. No refunds or exchanges after Friday, May 5, 2023.
• Run to the Shrine will take place rain or shine. No refunds or transfers for inclement weather.

Event Cost:

Military Discount:

Attention active-duty, veteran and retired military! Use promo code MILITARY23RTTS for $5 off registrations for you, your spouse and your dependents living in the same household. The military discount is offered to all active duty, veteran and retired military personnel. Military discount valid through May 14, or until race registration is full. Discount must be used at time of purchase; discount will not be applied retroactively. Proper military ID must be shown at Admissions on race day to validate your discount.

Bring any of the following to validate the discount for you, your spouse and your dependents living in the same household:

• A valid military/retired military ID
• A copy of your DD214
• Your state driver’s license printed with veteran indicator or military identifier
• Your ID issued by the VA, VFW or American legion
• A military spouse ID, if the military member is not present

Member Discount and Member Spectator Tickets:

Please bring your ID to the event to validate membership status.

Free Gift for Donations!

Make your support of the Zoo go even further! Ask your friends and family to join you in the support of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo by pledging a donation. All donations will support important programs like:

• the care and enrichment of our animals
• on-grounds breeding of endangered species like black-footed ferrets and Wyoming toads
• conservation projects around the world
• education programs to foster a love of wildlife in our local youth

When you raise $100 or more to support Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, you’ll receive a FREE GIFT, recognizing your commitment to the Zoo and conservation of wildlife. Choose from the following:

• Long-sleeve performance shirt
• Insulated water bottle
• Bamboo utensil set

(You will receive an email with details for pledges after you register.)