Captain Fleming’s Third Annual Gator Fun Run
- Date Sat 25th April 2026
- Time 7:30AM CDT
- Location Omaha, Nebraska
- Price $54.00
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join the excitement at Captain Fleming’s Third Annual Gator Fun Run on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Omaha, Douglas! This unique 5K event is not just a race; it's a celebration of a quirky piece of Omaha's history. Participants will run two laps around the scenic main loop of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, the original home of the famous alligators that once startled firefighters in the 1920s. The race kicks off at 7:30 AM CST, with a fun, family-oriented atmosphere promising a memorable experience for everyone involved.
For a participation donation of $50, runners will receive a stylish t-shirt and gain complimentary access to the zoo for the entire day after the race. Spectators are welcome to cheer on their loved ones and can enjoy the zoo’s attractions as well. This event not only offers a fantastic day of fitness and fun but also supports the Omaha Firefighters Historical Society and the Omaha Fire Union's Cancer Benevolent Fund, making every step count towards a worthy cause. Don’t miss out on this lively and meaningful community event!
For a participation donation of $50, runners will receive a stylish t-shirt and gain complimentary access to the zoo for the entire day after the race. Spectators are welcome to cheer on their loved ones and can enjoy the zoo’s attractions as well. This event not only offers a fantastic day of fitness and fun but also supports the Omaha Firefighters Historical Society and the Omaha Fire Union's Cancer Benevolent Fund, making every step count towards a worthy cause. Don’t miss out on this lively and meaningful community event!
Organiser's Description
BACKGROUND:
From about 1921 to 1925 the city of Omaha wintered alligators in Fire Station No. 6, located at 24th & Cuming street. When the weather turned warm the alligators were transferred to Riverside Park, which today is the location of Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. On March 22, 1922 an alligator escaped its basement enclosure, mounted the stairs, and chased Captain Charles R. Fleming, and the other seven firefighters, from the firehouse. It was an event of some notoriety, receiving several columns of ink in Omaha newspapers.
In memory of this strange, historical moment, the Omaha Firefighters Historical Society (OFFHS) returns with Captain Flemings 2nd Annual 5K Gator Fun Run. The run will be held inside Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, the original home of the alligators!
RACE DETAILS:
The race is set to begin at 07:30 CST on April 25, 2026. The check in desk will sit immediately before the zoo gates. The race start location is near the Mutual of Omaha pavilion; the race route is two laps of the zoo's main loop. Plan to enjoy a fun, family-oriented atmosphere!
DONATION & ENTRY INFORMATION:
A $50 participation donation permits one runner access to the race. Additionally, runners will receive a t-shirt, and are permitted to remain inside the zoo for the balance of the day at no additional cost. Spectators are allowed inside the grounds of the Zoo during the race:
Spectators with or without a Henry Doorly Zoo membership may enter the zoo early to watch their loved one, after paying a fee at the zoos ticket kiosk. The spectator may remain inside the zoo for the balance of the day.
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:
Donations from the 5K Gator Fun Run will benefit the Omaha Firefighters Historical Society and the Omaha Fire Unions Cancer Benevolent Fund. The Omaha Firefighters Historical Society (OFFHS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Omaha Fire Department was founded in 1860. The mission of the OFFHS is to accumulate, safeguard and to make available for public view - the history of the Omaha Fire Department. The OFFHS collects photographs, artifacts, textbooks, postcards, and artifacts. The OFFHS conducts interviews with firefighters, retirees, and personnel adjacent to the fire department. Pursuant to the mission, the OFFHS shares information through the publication, The Pioneer Hook & Ladder Quarterly (PH&L).
The Omaha Fire Union - Cancer Benevolent Fund is used to help defray the expenses members suffer while under-going treatment for cancer. Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of a cancer diagnosis, and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer, than the general public. The Benevolent Fund has no internal fees. Every dollar deposited will be used to assist an Omaha firefighter.
DO YOU WANT TO SPONSOR THE 5K GATOR FUN RUN?
Contact: [email protected]
From about 1921 to 1925 the city of Omaha wintered alligators in Fire Station No. 6, located at 24th & Cuming street. When the weather turned warm the alligators were transferred to Riverside Park, which today is the location of Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. On March 22, 1922 an alligator escaped its basement enclosure, mounted the stairs, and chased Captain Charles R. Fleming, and the other seven firefighters, from the firehouse. It was an event of some notoriety, receiving several columns of ink in Omaha newspapers.
In memory of this strange, historical moment, the Omaha Firefighters Historical Society (OFFHS) returns with Captain Flemings 2nd Annual 5K Gator Fun Run. The run will be held inside Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, the original home of the alligators!
RACE DETAILS:
The race is set to begin at 07:30 CST on April 25, 2026. The check in desk will sit immediately before the zoo gates. The race start location is near the Mutual of Omaha pavilion; the race route is two laps of the zoo's main loop. Plan to enjoy a fun, family-oriented atmosphere!
DONATION & ENTRY INFORMATION:
A $50 participation donation permits one runner access to the race. Additionally, runners will receive a t-shirt, and are permitted to remain inside the zoo for the balance of the day at no additional cost. Spectators are allowed inside the grounds of the Zoo during the race:
Spectators with or without a Henry Doorly Zoo membership may enter the zoo early to watch their loved one, after paying a fee at the zoos ticket kiosk. The spectator may remain inside the zoo for the balance of the day.
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:
Donations from the 5K Gator Fun Run will benefit the Omaha Firefighters Historical Society and the Omaha Fire Unions Cancer Benevolent Fund. The Omaha Firefighters Historical Society (OFFHS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Omaha Fire Department was founded in 1860. The mission of the OFFHS is to accumulate, safeguard and to make available for public view - the history of the Omaha Fire Department. The OFFHS collects photographs, artifacts, textbooks, postcards, and artifacts. The OFFHS conducts interviews with firefighters, retirees, and personnel adjacent to the fire department. Pursuant to the mission, the OFFHS shares information through the publication, The Pioneer Hook & Ladder Quarterly (PH&L).
The Omaha Fire Union - Cancer Benevolent Fund is used to help defray the expenses members suffer while under-going treatment for cancer. Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of a cancer diagnosis, and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer, than the general public. The Benevolent Fund has no internal fees. Every dollar deposited will be used to assist an Omaha firefighter.
DO YOU WANT TO SPONSOR THE 5K GATOR FUN RUN?
Contact: [email protected]
Races
-
Captain Flemings Third Annual Gator Fun Run
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 25th April 2026 (7:30AM CDT)
$54.00
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Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, 68107, NE, United States
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Captain Fleming’s Third Annual Gator Fun Run
