Run Wild 5K at the North Carolina Zoo

SOLD OUT - to the shock of everyone, the 2026 event sold out within hours of opening on February 1. We are sorry if you were not able to get in and hope you'll be able to join us next year!

Welcome to the 2026 Run Wild 5K at the North Carolina Zoo! The event will take place on Saturday, June 13, with a start time of 7:30 a.m.

This event isn't just about running—it's about making a difference. All registration fees go directly toward protecting our native salamander populations, the small but vital species living right beneath our feet.

Each registration comes with a Zoo ticket, an event tee, and a commemorative sticker. 

The race will take place on North Carolina Zoo property. The route is on paved visitor pathways and features rolling hills typical to the foothills of North Carolina. The course will begin at the North America Connector road, continue into the Zoo through the Africa and North America continents, and conclude at Solar Pointe picnic area. Don't be surprised if you hear the roar of lions or howling of red wolves along the way! 

There will be refreshments and festivities at Solar Pointe for participants to enjoy in celebration of completing the race.

The start and finish lines are near Solar Pointe, just outside Zoo gates. This means spectators are able to watch and cheer for friends and family at both the start and finish. (However, they will not be allowed to access any parts of the course inside the Zoo during the race.) The Zoo will open to all guests at 9 a.m. after the race concludes.

This event is open to all ages, walkers and runners alike. You need to be able to complete the event in 90 minutes because that's when the course closes.

REGISTRATION LIMITED TO 650 PARTICIPANTS!

Hampton Inn Asheboro 
1137 E. Dixie Drive
Asheboro NC 27203

CLICK HERE to book with our host hotel! Reservation block open until May 22 (2-night minimum stay required).

Thursday, June 11 – 4:30pm-6:00pm
@ Fleet Feet High Point
2762 Highway 68 N
High Point, NC 27265
336-858-5580

Friday, June 12 – 4:30pm-6:00pm
@ NC Zoo Solar Point
4401 Zoo Pkwy
Asheboro, North Carolina 27205

Saturday, June 13 - 6:30am-7:15am
@ NC Zoo Solar Point
4401 Zoo Pkwy
Asheboro, North Carolina 27205

Parking

Directions and Parking: Please visit the North Carolina Zoo website, www.nczoo.org, for directions. Parking will be in the North America parking lot near the admissions gate. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start time. Entrances and parking areas will be closed off for the race. Late arrivals will not be allowed to participate for the safety of the runners.

Restrictions:
– Race will take place rain or shine and the registration fee is nonrefundable.
– Walkers welcome! Participants must be able to complete the course within 90 minutes (~28 min/mile pace).
– Strollers are allowed. Please be aware that some areas of the course may be narrow with uneven surfaces.
– Only service animals are allowed at the zoo. Please leave all other animals at home!
– No day of registration
– Must cross the start line by 7:40am 

Schedule

Race Time: 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
6:30 AM – Packet pick up begins
7:30 AM – Race begins

This event will be timed using a bibtag timing chips. The timing chip will be on the back of the run number. Please make sure your number is clearly visible on the front of your body. This will not need to be turned back in after the race – it is disposable. It will be a chip time start. That means your time will not start until you reach the start timing mat. Make sure your number is clearly visible on the front of your body. Gun Time is the time the gun/horn started the event. Chip Time is the time your chip crossed the start timing mat. The awards for this event are based on Chip Time.

Awards will be given to the Top 3 Male and Female Overall finishers, as well as the Top 3 Male and Female finishers in each of the following age categories:

12 and under; 13-18; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60 and over.