Events
Zoo Zoom 5k
Spectator
Information
THIS is the official Maryland Zoo race!
Lace up your running shoes and get ready for an unforgettable day at the Zoo on Sunday, November 15th for Zoo Zoom, featuring an exciting NEW species-centered experience!
This year, the race gets wild — which species will cross the finish line first?
Choose your team:
🐧 Penguin
🐒 Chimpanzee
🐸 Panamanian Golden Frog
🐘 Elephant
When you join your species team, you’ll receive a fun, animal-inspired race shirt, enjoy admission to the Maryland Zoo, and become part of a community coming together to support wildlife conservation and the Zoo’s mission.
Whether you’re racing, walking, cheering on your team, or bringing the whole family, every step helps make a difference for animals here at the Zoo and around the world.
Pick your species. Rally your herd. Run wild with us at Zoo Zoom!
Register today and help your team claim the title: Which species will cross the finish line first?
Zoo Zoom wouldn't be as wild without animals, so dress up as your favorite animal when you show up on race day! 
What to Expect 5K:
- 5k route through parts of the Zoo (pending weather, we cannot guarantee that animals will be on exhibit)
- Commemorative shirt with your chosen species! 🐧 🐒 🐸 🐘
- Zoo admission (10 AM - 4 PM)
- Post-Race drinks or snacks
- That warm fuzzy feeling of supporting the Maryland Zoo!
What to Expect (Spectators Ticket):
- Early Entry Zoo Admission (watch your favorite runners cross the finish line!)
- Zoo admission (10 AM - 4 PM)
Costume Contest & Awards:
- Zoo Swag Prizes for best animal costume in each category: Men, Women, Children
- 5K Overall – Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female Finishers Overall
- 5K Age Groups – Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female in the following age groups
- 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-69, 70+
- 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-69, 70+
Schedule:
Friday, November 13, 2026
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Maryland Zoo Main Gate
1 Safari Pl
Baltimore, MD 21217
Sunday, November 15, 2026
6:30 AM - Gates open & packet pickup begins
8:00 AM - 5K Starts
9:45 AM - Awards Ceremony including costume contest winners!
10:00 am - Race Concludes
*Final event details, including any schedule updates, will be communicated via email prior to the event. Please monitor your inbox for the latest information.
Please Note
NOT permitted: Animals of any kind
Spectator Policy: Spectators must watch from outside of Zoo grounds. A map of the course will be provided to all participants in advance of race day.
Course: Mile Marker will be posted on 1,2,3
Bag Check: We do not have a bag check area. Please plan to secure your belongings in your vehicle.
Think you know the biggest zoo lovers? Refer the most runners to Zoo Zoom and earn (2) Behind-the-Scenes Tours for you and three of your favorite people. Zoo admission is included!
Any questions? Contact us today!
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Race Location
1 Safari Place
Baltimore, MD 21217 US
View Location on Map
