HENRY VILAS ZOO - RUN WILD 2026
- Date Sun 27th September 2026
- Time 8:00AM CDT
- Location Madison, Wisconsin
- Price $33.55 - $42.67
- Races 4 races
- Distances 5km, 10km, 1 Mile
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the Henry Vilas Zoo's Run Wild 2026, taking place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in the beautiful city of Madison, Dane! This exciting event not only offers participants the chance to enjoy a scenic run or walk but also supports vital wildlife conservation efforts. Choose between a 5k or 10k race, with the 10k starting at 8 AM and the 5k kicking off shortly after at 8:15 AM. There's also a fun-filled Kids Fun Run at 9:30 AM, ensuring that the whole family can join in on the fun.
By participating in Run Wild, you’re contributing to the important work of the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, which focuses on preserving critically endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebra. Each registration helps provide these majestic animals with essential medical care and a safe habitat. Every runner and walker will receive a stylish Run Wild t-shirt, making this event a memorable experience for all. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of fun, fitness, and philanthropy at the zoo!
By participating in Run Wild, you’re contributing to the important work of the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, which focuses on preserving critically endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebra. Each registration helps provide these majestic animals with essential medical care and a safe habitat. Every runner and walker will receive a stylish Run Wild t-shirt, making this event a memorable experience for all. Mark your calendars and join us for a day of fun, fitness, and philanthropy at the zoo!
Organiser's Description
Support Henry Vilas Zoo and our wildlife ranger friends in the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya! A portion of every registration goes to support their important work preserving critically endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebra, and providing them with the best medical care possible.
Everyone who runs or walks will receive a Run Wild t-shirt. You can sign up for Run Wild as a 5k or 10k distance. Join us at the Zoo on Sunday, September 27 for one of our biggest fundraisers of the year! The 5k and 10k races start just outside our South gate on Vilas Park Dr. The Kids Fun Run starts just outside our North gate.
**THE 10K RACE START AT 8AM. THE 5K RUN AND WALK STARTS AT 8:15AM. PARTICIPANTS WALKING OR PUSHING STROLLERS WILL BE ASKED TO LINE UP IN THE BACK OF THE QUEUE. THE KID'S FUN RUN BEGINS AT 9:30AM. **
RACE PACKETS MAY BE PICKED UP BEFORE THE RACE AT THE ZOO IN OUR GUEST SERVICES BUILDING FROM 10AM - 4PM STARTING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11.
_** WE ENCOURAGE PARTICIPANTS TO PICK UP THEIR RACE PACKETS EARLY. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE SHIRT SIZES IF YOU WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE RACE TO PICK UP YOUR RACE PACKET.**_
Ol Jogi is a 58,000 acres wildlife conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya. They focus on wildlife conservation by providing a safe habitat for indigenous and critically endangered species. Their wildlife rangers work closely with surrounding communities to assist them so they can derive support and benefits from this conservation work.
Everyone who runs or walks will receive a Run Wild t-shirt. You can sign up for Run Wild as a 5k or 10k distance. Join us at the Zoo on Sunday, September 27 for one of our biggest fundraisers of the year! The 5k and 10k races start just outside our South gate on Vilas Park Dr. The Kids Fun Run starts just outside our North gate.
**THE 10K RACE START AT 8AM. THE 5K RUN AND WALK STARTS AT 8:15AM. PARTICIPANTS WALKING OR PUSHING STROLLERS WILL BE ASKED TO LINE UP IN THE BACK OF THE QUEUE. THE KID'S FUN RUN BEGINS AT 9:30AM. **
RACE PACKETS MAY BE PICKED UP BEFORE THE RACE AT THE ZOO IN OUR GUEST SERVICES BUILDING FROM 10AM - 4PM STARTING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11.
_** WE ENCOURAGE PARTICIPANTS TO PICK UP THEIR RACE PACKETS EARLY. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE SHIRT SIZES IF YOU WAIT UNTIL THE DAY OF THE RACE TO PICK UP YOUR RACE PACKET.**_
Ol Jogi is a 58,000 acres wildlife conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya. They focus on wildlife conservation by providing a safe habitat for indigenous and critically endangered species. Their wildlife rangers work closely with surrounding communities to assist them so they can derive support and benefits from this conservation work.
Races
-
5K Run
Incl. $4.67 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 27th September 2026 (8:15AM CDT)
$42.67
OPENS 28 FEBThis is a timed race. If you would prefer to walk or do not need to know your race time, please consider signing up for the 5k Walk. -
5K Walk
Incl. $4.67 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 27th September 2026 (8:15AM CDT)
$42.67
OPENS 18 MARThe 5K Walk is not timed. If you would prefer to know your exact race time, please select the run/walk option. This race starts at the same time as the 5K Run, but anyone walking will be asked to line up in the back of the starting area. -
10K Run
Incl. $4.67 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 27th September 2026 (8:00AM CDT)
$42.67
OPENS 18 MAR -
Kids Fun Run
Incl. $3.55 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 27th September 2026 (9:30AM CDT)
$33.55
OPENS 18 MARThe race will start just outside of our north gate (Drake & Randall intersection). The route goes around Vilas Park and down Vilas Park Drive and the finish line is just inside the Zoo's south entrance. Spectators usually have enough time to cheer on their runner at the start and then get to the finish line by the time kids are finishing. Adults cannot register for this event. If you have a child too young to participate alone, you can accompany them, but we ask that you line up in the back of the queue. We have cheerleaders and Zoo staff along the run route to guide runners. We are always looking for more cheerleaders to support our youngest runners. If you have a child running in this race and would like to volunteer as a course guide, please email: volunteer@henryvilaszoo.gov
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702 S. Randall Ave, Madison, 53715, WI, United States
HENRY VILAS ZOO - RUN WILD 2026
