PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

Thousands of runners and walkers will lace up their running shoes and head over to the Detroit Zoo on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, for the 20^th annual Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo.  Proceeds from the event benefit the Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex and veterinary care for the Zoo’s animals.

Sponsored by Ford Motor Company, the event includes a 5K run, 10K run, Too Wild! 5K + 10K combo and noncompetitive 1.5-mile fun walk.  Runners in the 5K and 10K events will start at the Zoo’s 10 Mile Road entrance and wind through the scenic streets of Huntington Woods surrounding the Zoo.  Walkers will follow a course past award-winning animal habitats as they stroll through Zoo grounds.

Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo begins with the 5K run at 8 a.m., followed by the 10K run at 9 a.m. and the untimed fun walk at 9:15 a.m.  Online registration is available at www.detroitzoo.org/runwild until 6 a.m. Sept. 9, and registration will also be available at the Zoo on Sept. 9, 10 and 11.  Participants who register by Aug. 11 receive $5 off their registration fee.

Medals will be presented to the top two male and female finishers in each age category.  New this year, all race participants will receive a finisher medal.  In addition, all participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, a Detroit Zoo water bottle and free admission to the Zoo on race day.  Regular Zoo admission applies for non-race participants.

A post-race party sponsored by Kroger will follow the Run Wild event with live music, family entertainment, and complimentary food and beverages.

Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo has been recognized as a quality physical activity event by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness.  The Governor’s Council endorses local, regional and state events to acknowledge an organization’s ability to plan and carry out a quality event that significantly contributes to the health and well-being of Michigan residents.

Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo is supported by Ford Motor Company, Genisys Credit Union, Kroger, Moosejaw and Pepsi.

The Zoo is looking for volunteers to assist as course marshals during the event.  For information on volunteer opportunities, contact Linda Denomme at (248) 541-5717 x.3806 or ldenomme@dzs.org.