Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle
- Date Sat 18th October 2025
- Time 8:30AM EDT
- Location West Orange, New Jersey
- Price $16.90 - $48.70
- Races 3 races
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for a morning of adventure and fun at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle, taking place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in West Orange, Essex! This exciting event invites participants of all ages to waddle, run, or walk through a scenic 3-mile course, with an option for a 1.3-mile Safari Shortcut for those looking for a shorter trek. The journey starts at The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex and culminates with a festive finish inside the zoo itself, where participants can enjoy a complimentary admission to explore and meet the animals.
The Penguin Waddle is not just a race; it's a celebration of community and family spirit! Participants are encouraged to don fun costumes and embrace their inner animal, making it a joyous occasion for everyone involved. The first 300 registrants will receive a custom pom-pom beanie, adding a special touch to this memorable day. Spectators can also join in on the excitement with an Official Spectator Pass for early zoo entry and a chance to cheer on their friends and family at the finish line. Don't miss out on this unique and spirited event that promises smiles and unforgettable moments for all!
The Penguin Waddle is not just a race; it's a celebration of community and family spirit! Participants are encouraged to don fun costumes and embrace their inner animal, making it a joyous occasion for everyone involved. The first 300 registrants will receive a custom pom-pom beanie, adding a special touch to this memorable day. Spectators can also join in on the excitement with an Official Spectator Pass for early zoo entry and a chance to cheer on their friends and family at the finish line. Don't miss out on this unique and spirited event that promises smiles and unforgettable moments for all!
Organiser's Description
Join the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and Fleet Feet Montclair for a wild morning of miles and fun!
Saturday, October 18
alarm clock 8:30 AM
START: The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex
FINISH: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Get ready to waddle, run, or walk your way through a 3-mile course (or take the 1.3-mile Safari Shortcut) before crossing the finish line inside the Zoo for a one-of-a-kind celebration!
Post-run Essex County Turtle Back Zoo admission is included with registration. Stick around after the run to explore and say hello to the animals.
The first 300 participants to register will receive custom pom-pom beanie _(a $35 value)_
This event is perfect for the whole familywhether you sprint like a cheetah, stroll like a tortoise, or waddle like a penguin, everyones invited to join the fun.
Costumes, animal spirit, and family smiles are highly encouraged!
ZOO MEMBERS
SPECTATING: Zoo members do not need to purchase a spectator pass to enter the Zoo early. Simply show proof of your valid Essex County Turtle Back Zoo membership at packet pick-up (either on Friday or event morning) for early admission.
PARTICIPANTS: Already registered or planning to sign up? Reach out to Maddie at [email protected] with valid proof of Essex County Zoo Membership, and the Zoo admission portion of your registration fee will be waived or refunded.
PACKET PICK-UP
EARLY PICK-UP (RECOMMENDED!)
Fleet Feet Montclair 603 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043
Friday, October 17
alarm clock 2:00 6:00 PM
EVENT DAY PICK-UP
The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex 9 Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052
Saturday, October 18
alarm clock 7:30 8:30 AM
SPECTATORS:
Want to cheer on your family and friends at the finish line inside the Zoo?
Spectators will need an Official Spectator Pass to enter the Zoo early before it opens to the public. Were offering a special discounted $10 rate (normally $22) so you can join the finish line celebration and explore the Zoo afterward.
Day of spectator passes will be available for purchase at the start and zoo entrance.
PARKING:
This is a point to point run. Meaning the start and finish area are in two different places. The start is near The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex and the Finish is in the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo.
Parking closest to the start is across Cherry Lane at the Oakdale Parking Lot in the South Mountain Reservation. There are additional parking lots and garages throughout the South Mountain Recreation Complex.
_This is not an official race. There is no event timing. Details are subject to change._
Saturday, October 18
alarm clock 8:30 AM
START: The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex
FINISH: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Get ready to waddle, run, or walk your way through a 3-mile course (or take the 1.3-mile Safari Shortcut) before crossing the finish line inside the Zoo for a one-of-a-kind celebration!
Post-run Essex County Turtle Back Zoo admission is included with registration. Stick around after the run to explore and say hello to the animals.
The first 300 participants to register will receive custom pom-pom beanie _(a $35 value)_
This event is perfect for the whole familywhether you sprint like a cheetah, stroll like a tortoise, or waddle like a penguin, everyones invited to join the fun.
Costumes, animal spirit, and family smiles are highly encouraged!
ZOO MEMBERS
SPECTATING: Zoo members do not need to purchase a spectator pass to enter the Zoo early. Simply show proof of your valid Essex County Turtle Back Zoo membership at packet pick-up (either on Friday or event morning) for early admission.
PARTICIPANTS: Already registered or planning to sign up? Reach out to Maddie at [email protected] with valid proof of Essex County Zoo Membership, and the Zoo admission portion of your registration fee will be waived or refunded.
PACKET PICK-UP
EARLY PICK-UP (RECOMMENDED!)
Fleet Feet Montclair 603 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043
Friday, October 17
alarm clock 2:00 6:00 PM
EVENT DAY PICK-UP
The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex 9 Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052
Saturday, October 18
alarm clock 7:30 8:30 AM
SPECTATORS:
Want to cheer on your family and friends at the finish line inside the Zoo?
Spectators will need an Official Spectator Pass to enter the Zoo early before it opens to the public. Were offering a special discounted $10 rate (normally $22) so you can join the finish line celebration and explore the Zoo afterward.
Day of spectator passes will be available for purchase at the start and zoo entrance.
PARKING:
This is a point to point run. Meaning the start and finish area are in two different places. The start is near The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex and the Finish is in the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo.
Parking closest to the start is across Cherry Lane at the Oakdale Parking Lot in the South Mountain Reservation. There are additional parking lots and garages throughout the South Mountain Recreation Complex.
_This is not an official race. There is no event timing. Details are subject to change._
Races
-
Penguin Waddle (13+ Years Old)
Incl. $3.70 Fee
Sat 18th October 2025 (8:30AM EDT)
$48.70
-
Penguin Waddle (2-12 Years Old)
Incl. $2.50 Fee
Sat 18th October 2025 (8:30AM EDT)
$27.50
-
Official Spectator Pass
Incl. $1.90 Fee
Sat 18th October 2025 (8:30AM EDT)
$16.90
Want to cheer on your family and friends at the finish line inside the Zoo? Spectators will need an Official Spectator Pass to enter the Zoo early before it opens to the public. Were offering a special discounted $10 rate (normally $22) so you can join the celebration and explore the Zoo afterward. Pass is needed for spectators 2 years old and up!.
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Location
9 Cherry Lane, West Orange, 07052, NJ, United States
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Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle
