Throo the Zoo 5K (Draft)

Race Venue

1. Where will be the race be held?  The Louisville Zoo at 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213.
2. What time does the race start?  The 5K race start times begin at 8:00 am, with waves starting every 10 minutes.
3. Which wave should I sign up for? We will have three waves this year: 8:00 am for competitive runners looking to win an age group or overall award; 8:10 am looking to jog or walk at a faster pace; 8:20 am for families with strollers or those looking to walk leisurely. If you believe you will need the most amount of time possible to complete the 5K, we do recommend signing up for wave 1 and starting at the back of the wave. This will ensure you have ample time to complete the 5K before the Zoo opens at 10:00 am.
4. What time should I arrive?  Please arrive at least 45 minutes before the race start time.
5. Where will I park?  Parking for the race will be free at the Zoo. Parking will close early pre-race to allow time to ensure the course is safe for participants.
6. Where is the Start Line? Illinois Ave; directly adjacent to the Zoo’s main parking lot.

Race Registration

1. Can I register on race day?  Yes, you can register online up until 7:30 am on race morning, click here to register.
2. What do I get for my registration fee? The race fee includes a commemorative t-shirt, finishers medal, post-race refreshments, entry to win door prizes and a FREE ticket to visit the Zoo again at a much slower pace. 
3. Is there a benefiting charity? Yes, all proceeds from race registrations help the Louisville Zoo continue to fulfill its mission to “Better the Bond Between People and Our Planet” by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in conservation education. Additional donations will benefit additional programs at the Zoo.
4. Can I get a refund of my registration fee? Sorry, registration fees are for the benefit of the charity and are non-refundable.

Race Participation

1. Will there be a pre-race packet pickup session? Yes – Packet Pickup will be 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Louisville Zoo (1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville KY 40213). We highly recommend all participants show up on Friday to pick up your packet, as Saturday morning will have long lines.
2. When can I get my race shirt and race number on race day?  Packet pickup will begin at 7:00 am at the race site on race day. Please arrive early to ensure you have enough time to get your race number.
3. Is the course totally on hard surfaces?  Yes. The course is a loop design on the asphalt and concrete surfaces in and around the Zoo property.
4. Is the course suitable for strollers?  Yes. Strollers are welcome but for their safety, children must remain in the stroller while on the course. Please start in the back of the race pack. There is no charge for children in strollers for the race however, they do not receive the benefits of paid participants (shirt, race medal, Zoo ticket for return visit, etc)
5. Can I walk the race?  Yes! Walkers are welcome, but please start towards the back of your wave start and in one of the later waves.
6. Can I bring my dog or other pet?  Sorry, but dogs or other pets are not allowed in the race.
7. Are there other race restrictions? Yes, no bikes or skates please.

Race Timing/Awards/Results

1. Will the race be timed?  Yes! The race will be professionally timed using a timing chip on the back of your race bib. Because of this, please wear your bib on the front of your shirt, with the number visible (cameras will be at the finish line to ensure all times are recorded, and cameras are only for timing purposes. If there are any issues with your timing chip, the timers will need to look for your race number on the camera).
2. Will awards be presented after the race?  Yes! Awards for the top 3 male, female, and non-binary overall finishers and the top 3 male, female, and non-binary in age groups will be mailed after the race. Overall awards will be based on "gun time" and age group awards will be based on "chip time." The top overall runners will receive a custom award after the race on site.
3. Can I find my finish time online?  Yes! Please click here to view the race results.