Run Like Wild 5K

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Event Date(s): Virtual: Now-May 27 | In person: April 27

Ready, get set … run for a cause!

Registration for the in person Run Like Wild 5K is SOLD OUT! Register to run with us virtually from home or on your own trail. Virtual registration includes the t-shirt and race medal.

In celebration of a more than 25-year legacy of care, global scientific advancements, and longtime conservation for a treasured species, this year’s featured species is the giant panda, in the home of the only zoo in the U.S. currently housing these beloved bears. Giant panda friends and fans are everywhere, and you’re encouraged to join us from wherever you are! Run with us virtually from home or on your own trail. Virtual race registration is available through May 27, 2024.

Spectator Tickets & Info

The in person Run Like Wild 5K is sold out. If you are already registered and are looking for Race Day information, click here.

This is a rain-or-shine event; however, in the case of extreme weather, race updates will be posted here and emailed to all participants. Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

VIRTUAL RACE | $40 | All ages

Here’s how it works:

At registration, select the virtual race option. We’ll ship your event T-shirt and medal*.
Decide a time and place to run, walk, or stroll a 5K. It’s up to you to run alone, with your human friends, or with your animal friends!
Show off that medal and T-shirt. Take a selfie and tag us using #OnlyZooATL!
We are unable to host virtual registrants at the in-person 5K race.

Virtual registration* includes:

One Run Like Wild event T-shirt
Finisher’s medal

*Please note: Race packets will be mailed starting in early April and may take a few days or weeks to arrive. We are unable to guarantee packet arrival before race day. International shipping is available and subject to additional fees.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Bronze level sponsors

Cricket logo

Spectator Information

Cheer on runners at the starting line or along the course in Grant Park at no cost. If you’d like to cheer them on at the finish line or After Party, a spectator ticket or Member reservation is required. Due to the nature of the course, a very limited number of spectator tickets will be available.

Non-Members: Purchase tickets online or on race morning.
Zoo Members: Reservation required at no cost.

MEMBER SPECTATOR

NON-MEMBER SPECTATOR

Ticket includes:
- Access to the finish line on Grand Patio, the Orkin Children’s Zoo, the After Party in the Ford Pavilion, and panda viewing areas. Please note animals may still be sleeping and may not be viewable.
- Admission to the Zoo after 9:30 a.m.
Ticket does NOT include:
- Access to the course inside of Zoo Atlanta.
- Finisher medal, snacks and water.
- Entry to the Costume Contest.
Valid for April 27, 2024, only. Nonrefundable and not transferable to another date.
Entering the Zoo: Spectators can enter starting at 8 a.m. through the Education Conservation gate. Please present your spectator ticket or Member reservation to enter. Follow signs to spectator areas.
- The Zoo’s front gates will not be open until 9:30 a.m. when it is open to the public.

For additional questions about Spectator information, please review the FAQs below.

In Person 5K Race Info | Ages 3+

Registration for the in person 5K is SOLD OUT!

Race starts at 8 a.m. outside the Zoo Atlanta front gates and ends inside Zoo Atlanta at the Ford Pavilion. Strollers, baby joggers and pets are NOT permitted.

Race map (PDF)

Early 5K Packet Pick Up

Skip the stress on race morning and pick up your packet early!

Wednesday, April 24 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Outside of Zoo Atlanta in front of the Savanna Hall
Free 10-minute parking is available on the curb in front of the building.
Pick up your packet early and you’ll be automatically entered into a Zoo Atlanta prize drawing!
Picking up for others? Please have their name and confirmation number ready.
Picking up for a group with 10 or more registrants? Please email publicevents@zooatlanta.org in advance.

Race Day Timeline

7 a.m. – 8 a.m.: Packet pickup open in front of Zoo Atlanta’s Savanna Hall building
8 a.m.: Spectator ticketholders permitted through the Education Conservation Gate
8 a.m.: 5K race and After Party in the Ford Pavilion begins
8:10 a.m.: 5K starting line and chip timing closes
9 a.m.: Awards Ceremony and Costume Contest begin in the Ford Pavilion
9:30 a.m.: Zoo Atlanta opens to the public
10 a.m.: After Party concludes

The Course

Enjoy the best of wildlife on this beautiful and hilly course through Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta!

Race map (PDF)

Starting line: Outside the Zoo Atlanta front gates.
Runners will enter and loop twice inside Grant Park. After the second pass, runners will enter Zoo Atlanta.
The course may occasionally have narrow pathways. Please exercise caution and be aware of other runners.
Finish line: Inside Zoo Atlanta in front of the Ford Pavilion.
Runners with strollers, baby joggers and pets are NOT permitted.
Race map, when available, will be posted here.
The Run Like Wild 5K is a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier!

After Party, Awards and Costume Contest

After a “pandariffic” run, you deserve to party! Join us for the After Party at the Ford Pavilion inside Zoo Atlanta! Stay for music, games, photo ops, and awards.

The top male, female and nonbinary finishers in each age group based on their chip time will be recognized: Under 10; 10-15; 16-20; 21-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70+.
Show us your wild side for the costume contest! The “Best Kid”, “Best Adult,” and “Best Group” could win some great prizes

FAQs

Questions? Contact publicevents@zooatlanta.org or review the Frequently Asked Questions below.

General Questions:

Q: Are you offering a Virtual Race?
A: Yes! See registration details for more information on the Virtual Race!

Q: If I register for the Virtual Race, can I participate in the in-person 5K?
A: Only those registered for the in-person 5K and receive a bib are permitted on the course.

Q: My company, organization or large group (10+ people) is interested in participating in the 5K race. What should we do?
A: Great! If each person will be paying their own registration fee, they should register individually and enter a designated team name during the registration process. The team leader can contact publicevents@zooatlanta.org for a list of your team’s registrants. Let us know in advance if you plan to pick up race packets for your entire group.

If your company, organization, or group will cover registration fees for your entire group, please contact publicevents@zooatlanta.org to arrange. Let us know in advance if you plan to pick up race packets for your entire group.

Q: What will the weather be like in Atlanta during April?
A: In April in Atlanta, the average high-temperature is 72.5°F, and the average low-temperature is 51.4°F. This race is rain-or-shine. In the case of extreme weather, race updates will be posted here and emailed to all participants.

Q: Can I get a refund if I can no longer attend or want to switch races?
A: Registration for Run Like Wild is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Race Questions:

Q: What time should I arrive on race day?
A: We encourage all participants and spectators to arrive by 7 a.m. to ensure parking availability and allow for adequate time, warm up, and arrival at the starting line at the Zoo Atlanta front gates.

Q: Where can we park for the race?
A: Metered parking is available in the parking lot on Cherokee Avenue and in the Grant Park Gateway parking facility on Boulevard. Parking areas are owned by the City of Atlanta and managed by AAA Parking. Race registration does not include parking validation, so please account for extra time in your morning. Expedite your parking using the ParkMobile app! To learn more about parking, click here.

Q: Are there porta-potties on the course?
A: Restrooms will be available at the starting line, at various locations along the course, and at the After Party.

Q: Are baby joggers, strollers, or pets allowed on the course?
A: Due to the nature of the course, baby joggers, strollers, and pets are NOT permitted on the 5K course.

Q: Are headphones allowed during the race?
A: For safety concerns, we strongly encourage participants to abstain from using headphones during this race.

Q: How will I be timed?
A: Professional chip timing will be provided by Start 2 Finish.

Q: Is there a course map?
A: Yes, the race course map will be posted here when available.

Q: Is this considered a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier?
A: Yes, the in-person 5K is considered a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier! Learn more at the Atlanta Track Club.

Q: Is there a bag check?
A: No, there will not be a bag or gear check available. Plan to only bring items you are willing to carry with you.

Q: Will there be food?
A: Yes, light refreshments will be provided at the After Party (while supplies last) to runners only.

Q: Is there a rain date?
A: No, the Run Like Wild event will take place rain or shine! Should severe weather cause a cancellation, runners are encouraged to complete their race virtually.

Q: Are spectators allowed?
A: Yes! Click here for more information.

Q: Can I dress in costume?
A: Yes! Dress like wild in your best spots and stripes! Awards for the “Best Kid”, “Best Adult,” and “Best Group” will be presented at the After Party after the Top Finisher awards.

Spectator Questions:

Q: Where can I watch the race?
A: Cheer on runners at the starting line or along the course in Grant Park at no cost. If you’d like to cheer them on at the finish line or After Party, a spectator ticket or Member reservation is required. A limited number of spectator tickets are available. Click here for more information. Due to the nature of the course, spectators along the course inside the Zoo are not permitted. Spectators will be able to watch runners cross the finish line.

Q: What time can I get into the Zoo?
A: Spectator ticketholders may enter the Zoo starting at 8 a.m. from the Education Conservation Gate located on the south side of the Cherokee Avenue parking lot. Please present your spectator ticket or Member reservation to enter.

Q: Can I see animals while I wait for my friend to cross the finish line?
A: Spectators can enjoy limited animal viewing in the Orkin Children’s Zoo and at the giant panda habitat. Please note animals may still be sleeping and may not be viewable.

Q: Can I bring a baby jogger, stroller or pet as a spectator?
A: Spectators can bring baby joggers and strollers. Pets, except service animals, are not permitted inside Zoo Atlanta.

Q: Why can’t I go through the rest of the Zoo?
A: Some pathways along the course inside the Zoo are narrow. For the safety of all, spectators will be able to cheer on their friends at the finish line.

Zoo Questions:

Q: Can I stop to take photos of animals?
A: Yes, you are welcome to stop to view animals along the way, but please do so safely. To keep the race moving, we ask to you limit your time in front of habitats to one minute.

Q: Can I visit the Zoo after the race?
A: Of course! When the Zoo opens to the public at 9:30 a.m. you are welcome to enjoy the Zoo.

Q: Will I see animals along the zoo portion of the course?
A: Animals along the course like elephants, gorillas, lions and more will be in their main habitat depending on various factors like weather and temperature. We cannot guarantee they will be visible.

Q: Will I be able to see the giant pandas?

A: Giant pandas will be visible in their outdoor habitat or dayrooms after the race. Learn more about giant pandas and Zoo Atlanta’s conservation efforts. Read the latest Zoo Atlanta panda news here!

Interested in having a sponsorship presence at Run Like Wild? Contact Meghann Adams madams@zooatlanta.org for more information.

Do giant pandas run?

Sure, if they want to, but maybe they usually putter … or eat, or sleep, or putter, eat, and sleep and repeat … regardless of which form of locomotion is your speed, this is the 5K that invites you (yes, you!) to support superior animal care, education, and conservation.

More panda info