Run Wild 5K - Shawnee Hills
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Event Overview
The Run Wild 5K is a run and walk event held at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The course takes participants through the zoo grounds and concludes with a finish in the Wild Tides wave pool at Zoombezi Bay. The event is scheduled for July 12, 2026, and is open to participants over the age of three. Proceeds from the event support animal care, habitat improvements, and educational programs at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Distances and Course
The event features a single distance available for participants:
- 5K
The route navigates the zoo premises before transitioning into the water park area. The final section involves crossing the finish line inside the wave pool.
Participant Information
All registered runners receive a unisex event shirt, a finisher's medal, and complimentary race photos. Entry fees include same day admission to both the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay. Additionally, participants gain access to a private pool party at the wave pool before the park opens to the general public.
Current Columbus Zoo members are eligible for a discount on registration fees. Strollers are permitted on the course, but pets are not allowed, with the exception of trained service animals.
Logistics and Security
Packet pickup is available at specific locations in the days leading up to the event or on site on the morning of the race. All attendees, including participants and spectators, must undergo security screenings and bag checks upon entry. Spectator access requires a formal registration and ticket, which also includes full day admission to the zoo and water park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
