Run For Nature: Chester Zoo

The Chester Zoo 5K, 10K and Kid's Zoom both have flat and fast routes through our zoo estate. Starting in the zoo, you’ll pass fascinating sights like our Conservation Breeding Management Area.

Our 10K and 5K races will start off in the zoo and head out on the country lanes around our wider estate. And this year, our routes are better than ever - with twice the distance through the zoo along the amazing species in our care! The Kids 1 Mile Zoom for the 4-15 year olds is all in the zoo.

When you take part in Run For Nature at Chester Zoo not only will you be helping to save giraffes from extinction, you’ll also get a whole host of extra perks!
Free zoo entry for all runners
Exclusive pre-opening access to Heart of Africa on run day - see the giraffes!
25% discounted zoo entry for friends and family who have come along to support you on the day
A finisher medal to wear with pride
Fundraising bonuses and prizes
Access to our biggest ever events village
And much more!

• New route for 2025, including more time running through the zoo
• Exclusive access to Heart of Africa before the zoo opens
• Bespoke medal for all finishers
• Free cuddly toy and tote bag when you raise more than £65 for our charity
• Help to protect vulnerable giraffe species in the zoo and East Africa

What age is the children’s run for?
The ‘Zoom’ is for 4–15-year-olds.

How old do you have to be to enter the races?
You must be 16 to enter the 10K race and 11 to enter the 5K.

Can 11 - 17 year-olds sign up themselves for the race?
They can but they need a parent or guardian to fill in the waiver on the form.

I am a wheelchair user and have specific access requirements, can I take part?
You are welcome to take part in your wheelchair; the route will be through the zoo and on closed roads around the local area. You may wish to scope out the route to see if it is suitable but in theory there is nothing to stop you taking part.

What time do the runs start?
The Kids 1 Mile Zoom is scheduled to start at 8.30am, the 5K is scheduled to start at 8.45am and the 10K is scheduled to start at 9am. If there are any changes to this you will be notified by email ahead of the day, so please keep an eye on emails!

Can I go straight into the zoo after I’ve finished the run?
That depends how quickly you complete the run! The zoo fully opens at 11am but runners and guests of runners will be able to exclusively enter our new Heart of Africa zone of the zoo from 10am. Don’t forget there will also be our event village where there will be activities and food and drink options to keep you entertained and where you can re stock on energy for the day! And, our Bembe kitchen restaurant will be open from 10am for any breakfasts or coffees (and you can pre-book too!).

Will I see any animals?
Some of our animals may still be in their houses at the time of the race but you will certainly be able to see lots of animals if you make use of your free access to the zoo after the race.

Can I dress up as an animal or in fancy dress?
Seeing people dressed as animals can cause distress to some of our animals, so it is not something we can permit. You can however get your face painted and our amazing team will be in the event village on the day should you wish to do so.

Can I run with my child in the Kids 1 Mile Zoom?
Yes, we are happy for an adult to accompany a younger child if they would like to do so and you do not need to register to run the race to do this, just let us know when you register your child and provide the details requested.

Can we bring the dog?
You can bring your dog along with you to the event village provided you have someone to look after them whilst you take part in the run. We ask that all dogs are kept on leads and any mess picked up. Chester Zoo is very mindful of animal welfare, so it is prohibited to leave dogs in your car and any dogs found in cars may be reported. Please note that dogs are not allowed near the main entrance area or in the zoo, so if you wish to take advantage of your free ticket, you will need to leave your dog at home.

Will there be toilets?
There will be plenty of toilets both in the event village and around the zoo itself for you to use.

Can we watch race from inside zoo?
Due to activity within the zoo getting ready for the day, we cannot permit non-runners inside the zoo until the normal opening time. The exception to this is people who are accompanying their children on the Zoom.

Will there be food and drink available?
There will be plenty of hot drinks and food available on the day in our event village or of course we have a wide choice of restaurants and kiosks in the zoo should you choose to use your free entry.

Is there parking?
Yes, there will be plenty of onsite parking in the zoo's main car park, which is adjacent to the event village, so you can leave any bags etc in your car.

Is there anywhere to leave bags?
Yes, there will be a small bag drop area although we recommend that if you bring your car, you leave any belongings in your car. Please note any bags are left at your own risk and Chester Zoo cannot be held responsible for any loss or theft of bags if you leave them at the bag drop or in your car.

Is water provided?
You will be able to top up on water in our event village and once along the route but in line with our sustainability policy regarding single use plastic, there will not be any water bottles available. We recommend you bring your own bottle to fill up!

Are there photos being taken?
Our photographers will be there on the day so keep an eye out on social media. There will also be a place for you to take pictures. If you do not want your picture to be taken, please let us know on the day and we will provide you with a wristband.

Where will the fundraising money for the race go?
Here at Chester Zoo, a key element of our conservation work is protecting giraffe species from extinction, both here at our Chester hub and in East Africa. This year, we’re raising money for our vital work to protect this incredible animal.

Every penny raised will help to fund our work to conserve and protect giraffe species. The money raised will aid our international breeding programme work and our work to save the Nubian giraffe from threats such as poaching, habitat loss and climate change. Your support through fundraising will help us to do more giraffe conservation than ever before.

Do I have to raise sponsor money and is there a minimum amount?
We would love it if you took part in the Run for Nature at Chester Zoo and raised money for our work to protect vulnerable giraffe species. There is no minimum amount to raise and it is not something you have to do. However, as a registered charity that relies on public funding - we do hope it's something you will consider. Plus, they will be a free cuddly giraffe plush toy and tote bag for everyone who raises more than £65 - and there are prizes for our highest fundraisers!

How do I get my cuddly toy if I’ve raised the £65 sponsorship?
We will be handing them out on the day. We will be keeping an eye on those people who hit the target so will have a list but if you get to £65 the day before or even on the day, just bring along proof and you will be able to claim your reward.

How can I raise money?
You can raise money by using the fundraising page that has been created for you on Enthuse. You can add a message about why you are doing the run to personalise it, add your training progress and send out to family and friends who may want to get behind you and support our cause. Seeing those donations come in can really help with motivation for the big day. There are of course other platforms but Enthuse is the easiest for you as it is already set up once your go through the registration process.

What time do I need to arrive?
Please ensure you arrive at least 30 minutes before your timed run. This is to ensure we can check you into the event village and make sure you have everything you need before you start! The Kids 1 Mile Zoom will start at 08:30am (participants to arrive for 08:15am latest), the 5K will start at 08:45am (participants to arrive for 08:30am latest) and the 10K will start at 09:00am (participants to arrive for 08:45am latest). If there are any changes to schedules between now and the race day - we will be in touch to confirm.

What should I bring on the day?
We will be sending out your bib so you need to ensure you bring that with you. You should bring a water bottle as there will not be water out on the route. You can fill your bottle in the event village prior to the race though! If you are planning on spending the rest of the day in the zoo, do wear some comfy shoes as those sore feet won’t get much of a rest!

Will there be a cut off time?
The road closures are in place for 2 hours which should be enough time for people to complete the course.

• The emergency number for the day is 07706 251517. A member of our event control team will have that number on the day.