News Release
 
Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org
 
August 26, 2021
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
NOTE: Download photos at bottom of page.

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

Brookfield, Ill. — Whether you prefer to sprint like a cheetah or take it as slow as a sloth, lace up your shoes for the return of Brookfield Zoo’s Zoo Run on Sunday, September 12. Proceeds from the event benefit the Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Care and Conservation Fund, which supports research and education efforts at the zoo and around the world.

Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to take part 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 races.

The 5k chip-timed run begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Youngsters 4 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 many animal habitats, including big cats, giraffes, bison, and black rhinos, on a wildlife-inspired adventure.

Registration for the 5k is $40 (price increases to $45 on September 9, the last day to register) plus a minimal sign-up fee The fee for the 1-mile Kids’ Dash is $25 plus a minimal sign-up fee. Participants in both runs will receive a sling backpack featuring the 2021 Zoo Run logo, a timed-bib, and snacks and beverages. To learn more and register, go to CZS.org/BrookfieldZooRun.

Awards and prizes will be announced onstage at 10 a.m. to the first-, second-, and third-place male and female finishers in the 5k as well as the top three participants in the Kids’ Dash.

Packets may be picked up at the North Gate parking lot on Saturday, September 11, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. as well as on the day of the event Sunday, September 12, from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.

On race day, participants may enter the zoo from either the North or South Gate parking lots any time after 6:30 a.m. After entering the zoo, 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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Photos--credit CZS-Brookfield Zoo
5501, 5626, and 7907: Brookfield Zoo's annual Zoo Run course takes participants past many of the animal habitats.

Brookfield Zoo's Zoo Run Logo


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. 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, and CTA and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.
 

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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