News Release

Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org

August 23, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Register for Brookfield Zoo’s Annual ZooRunRun
5K and 1-Mile Kids’ Dash to Benefit the Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Care and Conservation Fund

Brookfield, Ill. – Whether you’re fast like a falcon or steady like a sea lion, on Sunday, September 8, you can help wildlife around the world by participating in Brookfield Zoo’s annual ZooRunRun that benefits the Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Care and Conservation Fund.

Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate in the 5K race presented by Aquafina and Gatorade and sponsored by DuPage Medical Group. Family and friends of participants will receive free zoo admission to cheer on their favorite runner and then can stay to enjoy the zoo after the race.

The 5K chip-timed race begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Youngsters, who are four to 13 years old, are invited to participate in the 1-mile Kids’ Dash that starts at 9:30 a.m. Both races commence in the Discovery Center parking lot and take participants though the zoo and past a number of animal habitats on a wildlife-inspired course.

DuPage Medical Group Physical Therapists will be onsite the day of the race, offering post-race stretching and recovery tips for 5k participants.

Registration for the 5k is $35.00 (price increases to $45.00 on September 6) plus a minimal sign-up fee and includes a moisture- wicking t-shirt featuring the 2019 ZooRunRun logo and a timed-bib. The fee for the 1-mile Kids’ Dash is $20 plus a minimal sign-up fee. Kids receive a t-shirt featuring the 2019 ZooRunRun logo and a timed-bib. To register, go to CZS.org/ZooRunRun.

Awards will be presented at 10:00 a.m. to the first-, second-, and third-place male and female runners in the 5k as well as the top three participants in the 1-mile Kids’ Dash.

Early packet pickup will be available in Brookfield Zoo’s north parking lot, located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, on Friday, September 6, between noon and 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, September 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Sunday, September 8, between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. prior to the start of the race.

On race day, participants must enter the zoo via the North Gate any time after 6:30 a.m., and proceed to the Discovery Center parking lot to line up for the start of the race. Please note, participants will not be able to access the Discovery Center parking lot by vehicle.

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About the Chicago Zoological Society

The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by engaging people and communities with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Society is known throughout the world for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation. Its Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare is at the forefront of animal care that strives to discover and implement innovative approaches to zoo animal management. Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, meeting American Humane Association’s rigorous certification standards. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located at 8400 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and also is accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.

Photo Captions—credit Chicago Zoological Society
554256265748, 8599 - Runners make their way through the ZooRunRun course inside Brookfield Zoo

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sondra Katzen
Media Relations Manager
Office: 708-688-8351
Cell Phone: 708-903-2071
E-mail: Sondra.Katzen@CZS.org

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