Events
Polar Paws & Santa Claws 5K with Swag
Sorry! This event is full. Registration ends December 2, 2025 at 1:45pm EST
Polar Paws Kids Cub Run
Polar Paws & Santa Claws 5K (NO SWAG)
Details
Sunday, December 14
3 p.m. Kids' Cub Run
4 p.m. 5K Run/Walk
Polar Paws & Santa Claws is fun fur the whole family!
Prepare the put your paws in motion!
5k Registrants will receive:
- Collectible medal (available for the first 700 registrants)
- Wearable swag (available for the first 700 registrants)
- Collectible cup (available for the first 700 registrants)
- Custom bib with chip timing
- Complimentary post-race hot cocoa
- Admission to Lights Before Christmas presented by Huntington Bank
The Cub Run is for kids 12 & under and includes an ice slide pass!
All participants are encouraged to deck themselves out in holiday-themed attire and light-up accessories as they participate in this festive event!
For more information, please visit toledozoo.org/polarpaws
Race Day Parking Location
2 Hippo Way
Toledo, OH 43609
Packet Pickup
Date & time: Thurs, Dec 11 & Fri, Dec 12 from 3:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Dave's Running Shop
5700 Monroe St. Sylvania, OH 43560
Race day pick up also available inside the Aquarium at the Zoo, 2-3:30pm, Dec 14.
Donations
In partnership with Susie's Coats for Kids and Dave's Running, we'll be collecting gently used running shoes and new clothing items at packet pickup as well as on the day of the race, in front of the Aquarium.
The following will be accepted:
- Gently used running shoes (any size)
- NEW items for children:
- Hats
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Socks (any size)
When: Thursday, Dec. 11 & Friday, Dec. 12 from 3-6:30pm at Dave's Running in Sylvania
Sunday, Dec. 14 from 2-4pm in front of the Aquarium
COUNTDOWN TO POLAR PAWS!
Questions?
All parking and entry is through 2 Hippo Way, the Zoo's main lot off the Anthony Wayne Trail.
Parking is free for this event.
The nearest restrooms are located inside the Zoo, in the aquarium. No restrooms are available along the course itself.
There is one water station along the course.
Absolutely! If you are picking up multiple packets, it helps to have a list of names you can give us.
There is no place to leave personal items. You may return to your car to drop off items, or have a spectator hold them until you are finished with the race.
The start line is located at our 2683 Broadway, however, all entry is through our Anthony Wayne Trail gate. Give yourself enough time to walk through the zoo (about 15 minutes) to the start line - consider it your warm up!
Sorry, pets are not permitted inside Zoo grounds for the safety of our animals. If you have a service dog, please let our staff know at the gate as you enter.
Yes! Race registration remains open through race-day. All registration is online.
Dec 11 and 12, 3-6:30pm both days at Dave's Running, 5700 Monroe St, Sylvania. If you cannot make packet pick up, race-day pick up is available inside the Zoo's aquarium, 2-3:30pm.
