ON YOUR MARK. GET SET. GO!
Join thousands of runners and walkers on Sunday, Sept. 8 for Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo, sponsored by Michigan First Credit Union. During this annual event, you can compete in a 5K run or enjoy a stroll through the Zoo with our non-competitive Fun Walk.
This year’s mascot is Neo the southern cassowary! Neo is a unique, flightless bird who has called the Zoo home since 2021. She can be identified by the helmet-like casque atop her head, her vivid blue face and her sharp claws. Be sure to visit Neo after the race!
WHY WE RUN
Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo raises critical funds for the Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex and helps us provide outstanding veterinary care for the animals at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.
All participants receive:
• A commemorative Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo T-shirt
• A unique, collectible finisher medal highlighting Neo the southern cassowary
• Admission to the Detroit Zoo following the race
• Access to the Post Race Party featuring food, a cash bar, live entertainment, photo opportunities, children’s activities and more!
• Free admission to Dinosauria, an immersive trail featuring life-sized animatronic dinosaurs
*T-shirt availability is not guaranteed for registration after Sept. 1.
Start Times
5K Run – 8 a.m. – 10 Mile Road entrance of the Detroit Zoo (USATF sanctioned)
Fun Walk – 8:45 a.m. – Inside the Detroit Zoo (non-competitive, untimed)
For the safety of all participants, bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, roller skates and animals are not allowed at Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo.
Strollers are permitted for the Fun Walk and the back of the 5K race.
Course Map
Registration Details
Online registration closes at 5 p.m. Sept. 5.
Online registration is available until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5. Once it closes, participants can register on site at the Detroit Zoo at the Run Wild Registration Tent in the 10 Mile Road parking lot during packet pickup. Walk-up registration will be available the day of the race. All registrations are final. No refunds will be issued.
Please note: Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo is a special event and not included with a Detroit Zoological Society membership.
Registration is required for all participants ages 2 and older.
5K RUN
In-Person
$60
Day Of/Late Registration
(Sunday/Race Day) – Sept. 8
FUN WALK
In-Person
$50
Day Of/Late Registration
(Sunday/Race Day) – Sept. 8
SPECTATOR (ADULT)
Finish Line
$15
Spectators with wristbands must enter the Zoo by 9 a.m.
SPECTATOR (KIDS AGES 2-18)
Finish Line
$10
Spectators with wristbands must enter the Zoo by 9 a.m.
Get Your Run Wild Gear
Gear up for the Run Wild event with exclusive running merchandise—shop now to support the zoo and show your spirit!
Packet Pickup and Onsite Registration
Virtual Packets can be mailed for an additional fee. Packets will be organized by race bib number. Please check back closer to the event for your assigned number.
Packet pickup and guest registration will be at the front of the Detroit Zoo on the following dates and times.
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7
- 6 to 7:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8
NOTE: Registration is available on the day of the race, from 6 to 7:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. Registration will close a half hour prior to the designated race start time. Start timing mats will be turned off 10 minutes after the official start of the race. Participants starting after the equipment is turned off will be assigned gun time (time of the official start).
On race day, please plan to arrive early. 10 Mile Road will close for the 5K, so expect heavy traffic.
Spectators
The 5K finish line is INSIDE the Zoo. Those wishing to see their family or friends finish the race must pay for entry into the Zoo. Special Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo spectator admission covers access to the finish line, Post Race Party and admission to the Zoo for the day. Spectator admission does not include a T-shirt or finisher medal. Spectator admission for this special event can be purchased in conjunction with race registration or during packet pickup hours. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages 2-18). Spectators with wristbands must enter the Zoo by 9 a.m. Please note, members cannot use their membership to get into the Zoo until it opens to the general public at 9 a.m. Members who wish to participate in Run Wild must register for the event, and those who want to watch the finish must purchase spectator admission, as this is a before-hours special event.
Volunteer
Volunteer course marshals cheer runners on as they run the course through the quiet neighborhood streets of Huntington Woods, just north of the Zoo.
Course marshals are stationed at intersections along the route to encourage runners and ensure everyone is safe!
The volunteer shift time is 6:30-9:45 a.m.
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
To register as a Run Wild Course Marshall Volunteer, please follow this link: https://vhub.at/1FZ8EXP
For any questions or concerns, contact volunteer@dzs.org
Thank You to Our Sponsors
