Zoo Run Run at Nashville Zoo

🐾 Zoo Run Run

Presented by Publix

Join a herd of runners and walkers at Zoo Run Run for a winter 5K adventure! Bundle up, hit the trail, and gallop through the Zoo’s property, including areas not normally available to the public. Zoo Run Run is a rain, snow or shine event.

🗓️ Event Schedule

• WHEN: Saturday, March 1st | 2:00 - 5:00 pm
• Packet Pickup: Day-Of Packet Pickup will open at 1pm for those unable to attend advance registration dates. Please note that attending day-of packet pickup may mean that you do not have time for pre-race activities. Pre-race activities kick off at 2:00 pm and the parking lot will close to additional vehicle traffic at 2:45 pm to clear for the race path.
• START: The race begins promptly at 3:00 pm.
• WHERE: Nashville Zoo (3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211)

❤️ Purpose

WHY: Proceeds from Zoo Run Run help fund the Zoo's conservation work.

• Family Friendly: Friends and families are welcome to join us for a brisk stroll instead of a run. Be aware that some of the course is off-road.
• Strollers: Have little ones? Grab your off-road stroller and join the fun!
• Pets: Please note, pets are not allowed on Zoo property and cannot be left in vehicles, join on the route, or wait at the finish line.

🏁 Race Details

Choose to run or walk as a timed or untimed participant. Every registrant receives a long-sleeve performance t-shirt, a race bib and post-race refreshments. Souvenir Participant Medal upgrades are available at an additional fee while supplies last.

Registration Options

• Shirt Design: 2025 Shirt Design: included with each race registration or additional shirts available from ZRR Store
• Medal Upgrade: Optional 2025 Participation Medal Upgrade: available for upgrade during registration or from ZRR Store

🎉 Pre-Race Festivities

Make sure to attend advance packet pickup days to have time to participate in the full lineup of race day festivities! All observer tickets will have access to join in on the below activities.

• Stretching: Prep for the big race with our Stretching with the Animal Zone at Jungle Terrace to learn some fun animal stretches.
• Practice: Take a quick sprint down the Winner's Lane to practice your final push to the finish line.
• Encounters: Join in on special animal encounters at the Ajax Turner Amphitheater.
• Fun Photos: Snap a commemorative photo and join in on the virtual Costume Contest.

👶 Children

Everyone participating in the race over age 5 will need to register as a timed or untimed participant. Young children (ages 2-5) are welcome to ride in a stroller during the race but will need a $10 Race Observer Ticket for entry into the race area. Children under age 2 are free and do not need a ticket.

👀 Race Observer / Spectator Tickets

Zoo Run Run will begin inside the Zoo in 2025 so that race observers will have access to the Festival Field area to watch the start line/finish line and enjoy free access to the zip line, carousel, and 4D theater throughout the race! Each person (ages 2+), including Zoo members, wishing to access the start/finish will need a Race Observer ticket. These must be purchased separately from runner registration in person on race day or in advance on our Zoo ticketing site.

🏆 Prizes

Race prizes will be awarded by chipped time - the time runners cross the start and finish lines.

• Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will receive medal recognition at the 4PM Awards Ceremony.
• Eligibility: Placing in an overall category will result in exclusion from a lower category (you can only win a medal in one category).
• Additional Prizes: 1st place runners in each category will additionally receive 4 Zoo admission tickets ($100 value) and a $30 gift card to local Fleet Feet retail stores.

🚦 Corral Information

To reduce congestion at the beginning of the race, the 2025 Zoo Run Run will implement start corrals. The race will start in waves allowing timed runners to begin ahead of untimed runners, followed by those who plan to walk or have strollers.

🎗️ Fundraising Contest

Share your registration with your family and friends and encourage them to donate in your name to be eligible to win a backstage tour as a thank you for going the extra mile! Donations will benefit Trees for You and Me.

• Top Fundraiser: The top fundraiser will win an exclusive animal encounter that is not offered anywhere else. (Minimum of $200 raised is required to be eligible for the prize)

👗 Virtual Costume Contest

Come dressed to impress in animal or Zoo themed costumes for your chance at winning a Backstage Pass tour for four!

Costume Contest Rules: Must have participated in the 2025 Zoo Run Run. Your runner bib must clearly be visible in your photo submission and take place within Zoo grounds. Photos may include one costumed individual or costumed group of up to four individuals.

Process: Photos must be submitted via the Nashville Zoo Facebook Costume Contest Post by end of the day, Saturday March 1st. The photos with the most public reactions by Monday March 3rd will be chosen as the winners.

Prizes: The winners will have their photos displayed on our website and social media. Each winner (group winners as one unit) will receive one (1) award certificate for a backstage pass tour up to (4) guests, (1) Fleet Feet $30 gift certificate per person, and (4) complimentary Zoo General Admission tickets.

Terms & Conditions:

All contest entrants agree to have their photo used for promotional purposes including but not limited to advertising, social media, brochures or signage.

🔗 More Information

For additional details about the race, please visit the official site: Zoo Run Run Event Page.