Captain Fleming's Gator Fun Run
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Captain Fleming's Gator Fun Run - Omaha
From the early 1920s the city of Omaha wintered alligators at Fire Station No. 6 and later transferred them to Riverside Park, the site of today’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. In 1922 an alligator escaped its basement enclosure and pursued the firehouse crew; the event inspired a commemorative run.
The event is an annual 5K held inside Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. Check-in is located immediately before the zoo gates, the start is near the Mutual of Omaha pavilion, and the route consists of two laps of the zoo's main loop. Organizers describe the atmosphere as family-oriented.
A $50 participation donation grants entry for one runner, a T-shirt, and access to remain inside the zoo for the balance of the day at no additional zoo charge. Spectators may enter early by paying a fee at the zoo's ticket kiosk and may also remain inside for the rest of the day.
Proceeds support the Omaha Firefighters Historical Society and the Omaha Fire Union’s Cancer Benevolent Fund. The Omaha Firefighters Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that collects and preserves photographs, artifacts, and documents related to the Omaha Fire Department and publishes The Pioneer Hook & Ladder Quarterly. The benevolent fund assists firefighters with expenses during cancer treatment; the event materials note elevated cancer risks for firefighters compared with the general public. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
