15th Annual Run Wild for Autism 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run & Walk

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
1 Safari Place
Baltimore, MD US 21217

 

Registration is now closed! If you are an event sponsor, please contact Bill Freeman at BFreeman@pathfindersforautism.org for team registration information.

Registrations completed after noon on September 1st cannot be guaranteed a t-shirt.

Race registration fees (and the processing charge from RunSignup) are not refundable. These funds are used to pay for race premiums, permits, supplies, staffing, and other costs incurred before, during, and after the event is held. To be consistent and fair to everyone we cannot make exceptions to this policy.

Get Ready to Run Wild!!!
We’re so excited to see you at the 15th Annual Run Wild for Autism 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run & Walk on Sunday, September 21st at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore!

Here’s everything you need to know to have a smooth and fun race day:

 
📍 Event Location & Parking
Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
1 Safari Place, Baltimore, MD 21217

Parking is FREE for all participants. This is a sold-out event, so please plan your travel time accordingly. 
Follow event signage to the main entrance
 
🎫 Packet Pickup
Race Day Pickup: If you have not picked up your packet yet, please plan to arrive early. Packet pickup begins at 7:00 AM at the Zoo’s main gate pavilion. This is a SOLD-OUT event and there will be crowds. 

 
⏰ Race Day Schedule
7:00 AM — Pickup begins, music, entertainment, and bib customization
8:00 AM — ISI Elite Training fun warm up. Autumn DeCosmo national anthem. 
8:30 AM — 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk start
(Please arrive on time—zoo security will not allow late entries)
Post race fun in the Water Fowl Pavillion. Be sure to visit all our amazing sponsors, grab a snack, play some games, and have fun. 
 
💡 Helpful Info
Rain or shine event (check PFA social media for severe weather updates)
No day-of registration (we are SOLD OUT!) Everyone attending must already be registered for the event. 
Accessibility: Please see the Maryland Zoo Accessibility page
Post-Race Snacks: Water, bagels, fruit, and more in the Waterfowl Pavilion
Activities: Animal ambassadors, children’s games, vendor tables, music, and awards for top 5K finishers
Zoo Admission: Registered participants with a bib get complimentary same-day admission at check-in. We cannot give zoo admissions to anyone that does not have their race bib. 
📌 Please also review the Zoo’s visitor FAQs for do’s and don’ts before your visit.

 
💙 Keep Fundraising!
Fundraising stays open until October 15th—keep sharing your page to reach incentive levels and support families living with autism. If you have not yet done so, please share your fundraising page on social media and with friends and family.

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

Sponsorship packages are no longer available. You can still support Pathfinders for Autism by making a donation today. 

DONATIONS AND FUNDRAISING

The most important component to Run Wild for Autism is our families and partners coming together to raise funds that help us continue to serve the autism community. Your dollars allow the PFA staff to offer resources, training - both in person and virtual, and recreation events. It is because of YOU that we have been and will continue to serve our families. Here is a helpful guide to help you get started fundraising for Run Wild!

There are many great fundraising incentives for raising funds that support PFA programs. Please donate today!

VOLUNTEERS

Run Wild can only succeed with the support of volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering or know someone who is, please register here: Run Wild Volunteers – Pathfinders for Autism

PACKET PICK UP

AMENITIES

– 15th Annual Run Wild for Autism t-shirt (Register by noon on August 29th to guarantee a shirt.)
– Race managed by Blue Cheetah Sports Timing
– ZOO ADMISSION: Individuals registered for the in-person race will receive Zoo passes, good for September 21st ONLY.

 AWARDS

Top Male Finisher
Top Female Finisher
Top Male Finisher in the following age brackets: 1-10, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Top Female Finisher in the following age brackets: 1-10, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Top Overall Fundraising Team
Top Individual Fundraiser

BENEFICIARY: PATHFINDERS FOR AUTISM

Pathfinders for Autism is a statewide organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families. The organization was founded in 2000 by parents of children with autism, including Baltimore Orioles Hall of Famer William "B.J." Surhoff and his wife Polly Winde Surhoff. Pathfinders for Autism works to support and improve the lives of individuals with autism through expansive, customized programming, and by providing resources, training, information and activities free of charge.

KNOW-BEFORE-YOU-GO and FAQs

Coming Soon!

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Questions?

 5K Course

Fun Run/Walk Course Map