Slow and steady saves the species
Overview
Get ready to test your speed — and your patience — in this season’s Run Wild Race! Inspired by the timeless tale of The Tortoise and the Hare, this event raises awareness and funds for an endangered tortoise species in the wild.
Just like in the story, it’s not only about who’s fastest — it’s about staying steady, determined, and doing your part for wildlife conservation. Whether you sprint like the hare or pace yourself like the tortoise, every step helps protect these slow and steady survivors.
Join us at the Metro Richmond Zoo for a day of adventure, wildlife, and family fun — all while supporting the preservation of the endangered tortoises in their natural habitat.
Events
Mini 1 Mile
Wild Ninja
Ninja Full Access Spectator
What's included?
Every participant gets:
- Entry to race
- Bib with chip results
- Finishers medal
- Event t-shirt (animal specific to each RWR)
- FREE same day ticket into zoo
- Post race refreshments
- Support animal conservation
- Swag and sponsor freebies
PACKET PICKUP
Pre-race packet pickup: Friday, May 1, 2026 from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm.
Race-day packet pickup: Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 7:00 am – 10:00 am.
Event Schedule:
- 8:00 am Mini Start
- 8:30 am Mini Awards at Podiums
- 8:45 am 5k Start
- 9:15 am Zoo Opens
- 9:30 am 5k Awards at Podiums
- TBD am mini and 5k winners meet at the Galapagos Tortoise exhibit to meet the Tortoises
- 10:00 am 1st Ninja Wave (Competitive 1)
- 10:10 am 2nd Ninja Wave (Competitive 2)
- 10:20 am 3rd Ninja Wave (Competitive 3)
- 10:30 am 4th Ninja Wave (Open 1)
- 10:40 am 5th Ninja Wave (Open 2)
- 10:50 am 6th Ninja Wave (Open 3)
- 11:00 am 7th Ninja Wave (Open 4)
- 2:00 pm Ninja Team Winners meet at the Galapagos Tortoise exhibit to meet the Tortoises.
Who’s faster — you or the tortoise?
3 Wild Event Descriptions
Mini 1-Mile
Everyone’s invited to join this 1-mile fun run through the Zoo — a perfect adventure for families, friends, and runners of all ages! While anyone can participate, kids 2-17 will compete for the Mini 1-Mile awards and bragging rights.
The course winds through the Zoo’s scenic pathways with a mix of 90% pavement, 5% gravel, and 5% dirt—ideal for young runners, families, and all-terrain strollers. (Children 1 and under do not need a ticket.)
Participant Info:
- All Mini participants ages 2 and older need a ticket (including chaperones).
- Children ages 2–7 must have a participating parent or designated chaperone. (Parents may assign a responsible older sibling or friend.)
- Awards are given only to participants 17 and under.
- For animal safety, some exhibits will be closed during the run, but you can visit all of them after the Zoo opens for the day!
5k
Experience a one-of-a-kind all-terrain 5K that begins inside the Zoo and winds around its perimeter—including exclusive access through the Cheetah Conservation Center and areas between the Zoo’s double security fences.
After nearly a mile of paved pathways, the course transitions into a mix of dirt, mulch, grass, and gravel trails featuring winding turns, rolling hills, scenic bridges, and up-close views of exotic wildlife. Expect stunning sights, a few steep climbs, and an unforgettable run through nature.
Participant Info:
- All 5K participants ages 5 and up require a ticket (including chaperones).
- Children ages 5–10 must be accompanied by a participating parent or designated chaperone. (Parents may assign a responsible older sibling or friend.)
Wild Ninja Obstacle Challenge
An epic 2-mile adventure packed with up to 42 obstacles inspired by American Ninja Warrior and real-life animal survival challenges. Each obstacle tests your balance, strength, stamina, and grip — as you compete to “escape extinction”!
Earn points for every obstacle conquered and see where you rank on the IUCN Red List of Survival — from Extinct to Least Concern. Those who conquer them all will earn the title “Unlikely to Become Extinct in the Near Future” and receive free entry into their next Wild Ninja!
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just ready to try something wild, this course is for anyone 8 and older.
(Ages 8–14 must compete with a participating adult or have a Full Access Spectator ticket to walk the full course with them.)
Challenge yourself. Represent your “species.” Prove you won’t go extinct.
FAQs'
Pre-race packet pickup: Friday, May 1, 2026 from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm.
Race-day packet pickup: Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 7:00 am – 10:00 am.
Both are located at the race venue in the grassy parking lot portion of the Metro Richmond Zoo. Look for the large tan tent.
No, there is not. However, you are able to park very close to the start and finishline.
Yes, strollers are allowed on our courses. We do recommend that the stroller is an all-terrain style jogger stroller with large bike wheels especially for the 5k. The majority of the mini route is on paved pathways with some gravel and dirt.
If they are under the age of 2 years old, then no. Under the age of 4 years old for the 5k then no either.
No. These are two seperate events. If you would like to participate in both, there is a multile event discount of $10 that automatically applies at checkout.
Sorry, no pets are allowed on the course for the safety of the zoo's animals. They are welcome at the start and finishline.
No water stations on the mini except before and after the race is finished.
2 water stations on the 5k
1 water station for Wild Ninja
Yes, there are porta-potties at the start/finish of the course.
The zoo also has mens/womens restrooms that are accessible during the event located at the Treetop Zoofari building. It's accross the parking lot from the venue.
Any questions? Contact us today!
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