Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle

Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle is a family‑friendly, point‑to‑point running event in West Orange, New Jersey, produced with Fleet Feet Montclair. The course starts near The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex and finishes inside the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, creating a unique post‑finish celebration among the animals. Participants can choose a 3‑mile course or a shorter 1.3‑mile Safari Shortcut.

Registration includes post‑run zoo admission and a special giveaway; costumes and animal spirit are encouraged. The event bookends a fun morning for all ages, and packet pickup is available the day before or on race day at designated locations. Scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.