Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle
- Date Sun 18th October 2026
- Time 8:30AM EDT
- Location West Orange, New Jersey
- Price $11.60 - $43.40
- Races 3 races
Event summary
Get ready for a fun-filled family day at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle on Sunday, October 18, 2026! Located in West Orange, Essex, this exciting event invites participants to waddle, run, or walk through a scenic 3.5-mile course, with an option for a shorter 2-mile Safari Shortcut. Starting bright and early at 8:30 AM, this unique race culminates with a celebration inside the zoo, where you'll have the chance to meet the animals and enjoy post-run admission included with your registration.
Whether you're a speedy cheetah or prefer a leisurely stroll like a tortoise, the Penguin Waddle welcomes everyone to join the fun. Costumes and animal spirit are highly encouraged, making this a fantastic opportunity for family smiles and memories! Plus, the first 300 registrants will receive a custom pom-pom beanie, adding an extra touch of excitement to your day. Don't miss out on this delightful event that promises a memorable morning for all ages!
Whether you're a speedy cheetah or prefer a leisurely stroll like a tortoise, the Penguin Waddle welcomes everyone to join the fun. Costumes and animal spirit are highly encouraged, making this a fantastic opportunity for family smiles and memories! Plus, the first 300 registrants will receive a custom pom-pom beanie, adding an extra touch of excitement to your day. Don't miss out on this delightful event that promises a memorable morning for all ages!
Organiser's Description
Join the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and Fleet Feet Montclair for a wild morning of miles and fun!
Sunday, October 18
alarm clock 8:30 AM
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Get ready to waddle, run, or walk your way through a 3.5-mile course (or take the 2ish 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 maddie@fleetfeetmontclair.com 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
Saturday, October 17
alarm clock 12:00 4:00 PM
EVENT DAY PICK-UP
Location TBA
Sunday, 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:
Please park in the lots and parking decks at the Turtle Back Zoo.
_This is not an official race. There is no event timing. Details are subject to change._
Sunday, October 18
alarm clock 8:30 AM
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Get ready to waddle, run, or walk your way through a 3.5-mile course (or take the 2ish 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 maddie@fleetfeetmontclair.com 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
Saturday, October 17
alarm clock 12:00 4:00 PM
EVENT DAY PICK-UP
Location TBA
Sunday, 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:
Please park in the lots and parking decks at the Turtle Back Zoo.
_This is not an official race. There is no event timing. Details are subject to change._
Races
-
Penguin Waddle (13+ Years Old)
Incl. $3.40 Fee
Sun 18th October 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
$43.40
-
Penguin Waddle (2-12 Years Old)
Incl. $2.50 Fee
Sun 18th October 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
$27.50
-
Official Spectator Pass
Incl. $1.60 Fee
Sun 18th October 2026 (8:30AM EDT)
$11.60
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 $15 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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560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, 07052, NJ, United States
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Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle
