Race Day Details

On Race Day, please plan to arrive early. 10 Mile Road will close for the 5K, so expect heavy traffic.

Entry fees include a commemorative Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo T-shirt*, a collectible finisher medal and entry to the Zoo immediately following the race. The Post Race Party includes food, beverages, entertainment and children’s activities, sponsored by Kroger.

The event takes place rain or shine. Registration is required for participants ages 2 and older.

*T-shirt availability is not guaranteed for registration after Sept. 1.



Start Times
  • 5K Run – 8 a.m. – 10 Mile Road entrance of the Detroit Zoo (USATF sanctioned)
  • Fun Walk – 8:45 a.m. – Inside the Detroit Zoo (non-competitive, untimed)
For the safety of all participants, bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, roller skates and animals are not allowed at Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo. Strollers are permitted for the Fun Walk and the back of the 5K race.

Bib Number

Please check back closer to the event for your assigned number.

Packet Pickup and Onsite Registration

Packets can be picked up at the following dates and times in the Detroit Zoo’s 10 Mile Road parking lot. Packets will not be available via mail.
  • 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8
  • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9
  • 6 to 7:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 10
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is available on the day of the race, from 6 to 7:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept.10. Registration will close a half hour prior to the designated race start time. Start timing mats will be turned off 10 minutes after the official start of the race. Participants starting after the equipment is turned off will be assigned gun time (time of the official start).

Spectators

The 5K finish line is INSIDE the Zoo. Those wishing to see their family or friends finish the race must pay for entry into the Zoo. Special Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo spectator admission covers access to the finish line, Post Race Party and admission to the Zoo for the day. Spectator admission does not include a T-shirt or finisher medal.

Spectator admission for this special event can be purchased in conjunction with race registration or during packet pickup hours. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children (ages 2-18).

Spectators with wristbands must enter the Zoo by 9 a.m. Members cannot use their membership to get into the Zoo until it opens to the general public at 9 a.m.

Members who wish to participate in Run Wild must register for the event, and those who want to watch the finish must purchase spectator admission, as this is a before-hours special event.