About the Wild Strides 5K
The course starts at John Ball Zoo, heads out onto the Kent Trail, and then returns to finish inside the Zoo itself. That ending inside the Zoo is the unusual part: you cross the finish line with animals nearby and the sounds of the Zoo around you. The course runs through natural surroundings, so it feels more like a trail-adjacent run than a road race.
Packet pickup is available at the Zoo's front plaza area on several days before the race, including the afternoon of race day itself. The Zoo's parking lots are open to all participants and spectators at no charge. After the race, the area around the finish hosts food trucks, face painting, a bounce house, a DJ, and ambassador animals from the Zoo.
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Distances & Start Times
5K4/20/2027 19:00$40
5K4/20/2027 19:10$40
0.5 Miles4/20/2027 18:00$15
5K4/20/2027 00:00$40
Going for a Time?
Set a goal and get a pace band: every mile split on a card sized for your phone lock screen, so race morning needs no math.
Not sure what to aim for? The 5K pace chart lists the pace for every finish time.
Where to Stay
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