We are excited to be back in person for the 2024 Run Wild 5K at the NC Zoo! The event will take place on Sunday, September 29 with a 7:30 a.m. start time. Each registration comes with a zoo ticket and an event tee.

The race will take place on the property of the North Carolina Zoo on both paved and gravel visitor pathways, featuring rolling hills typical to the foothills of North Carolina. The course will begin at the North America Connector road, continuing into the zoo through the African and North American continents and concluding at Solar Point. You may hear the roar of our African Lions or howling of the Red Wolves along the way! Participants will finish at Solar Point for refreshments and festivities.

The start line and finish line are near Solar Point, which is just outside of the NC Zoo gates. This means that spectators are able to watch their friends and family start and finish. They will just not be allowed to access any parts of the course that are inside the zoo. The zoo will be open at 9am for visitors.

This event is organized by a small group of volunteers from the North Carolina AAZK chapter. AAZK is a nonprofit volunteer organization (U.S. 501c3) made up of professional zoo keepers and other interested persons dedicated to professional animal care and conservation. This is the local chapter in North Carolina with members from NC Zoo, NC Zoo Society, Greensboro Science Center, Rowan Wild and Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. All proceeds from this event go towards keeper professional development as well as local and global conservation organizations. 

REGISTRATION LIMITED TO 600 PARTICIPANTS!