Henry Vilas Zoo - Run Wild
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Henry Vilas Zoo - Run Wild 2025
Henry Vilas Zoo - Run Wild 2025 takes place in Madison on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The event includes multiple distance options and a separate kids run, and it is presented as a fundraiser for the zoo and a conservation partner.
Participants can choose from:
- 5K Run
- 5K Walk
- 10K Run
- Kids Fun Run open to ages 12 and under
The 5K and 10K races start just outside the zoo's South gate on Vilas Park Drive. The Kids Fun Run starts just outside the North gate. The overall race area is on the Lake Wingra side of Henry Vilas Zoo. Participants who walk or push strollers are asked to line up toward the back of the queue.
Race packets may be picked up at the zoo's Guest Services building beginning Friday, September 12, during the published packet pickup hours. Organizers note that shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed for participants who wait until race day to collect their packets. Everyone who runs or walks will receive a Run Wild t-shirt.
All funds raised at the event will directly support Henry Vilas Zoo and the Ol Jogi Wildlife Rangers. Ol Jogi is a 58,000 acre wildlife conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, that provides habitat for indigenous and critically endangered species and works with surrounding communities. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
