Free on-site parking is available at The Maryland Zoo.

Navigate to 1 Safari Place and park in the designated Zoo lots.

If you are picking up your bib number on race day, please arrive around 7-7:15 AM to allow time for parking, pick up and pre-race warm-ups.

If you are picking up your bib number on Friday, please arrive BY 7:30 AM to allow time for parking and pre-race warm-ups.

The course support will end at 9 AM. After 9 AM, the route will reopen to normal traffic and participants will be asked to obey everyday traffic laws.

The Maryland Zoo has indoor restroom facilities that are centrally located to the registration, start and finish areas.

We will offer two packet pickup sessions, both at The Maryland Zoo Main Gate.

Friday, November 13, 2026
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Sunday, November 15, 2026
6:30 AM - 7:55 AM

We do not have a bag check area. Please plan to secure your belongings in your vehicle.

This is a rain-or-shine event! We’ll be out there unless the weather makes it unsafe for our runners, volunteers, or crew.
If conditions look rough — like lightning, high winds, or ice — we might delay the start, shorten the course, or make other quick adjustments to keep everyone safe.
We’ll keep you posted through email, social media, and race-day announcements if anything changes.

Absolutely! We will ask for the registrants full name for pickup, then we will assign their bib number.

Yes! We will offer online registration until the race starts or once the course capacity has been met.  

This event is a fundraiser.  There will be no refunds, deferrals, and/or transfers given for any reason. The event is rain or shine, there is no rain date.  In case of inclement weather or any other safety issue, management reserves the right to cancel/alter/modify the race/course for safety concerns, while your entry fee will go directly to the cause.

Please visit the My Profile section of your RunSignup account page.

https://runsignup.com/profile

Yes! Any person who is crossing the finish line on their own accord will need to be registered prior to participating in the event.

The start line will be located just inside of the Eagle Gate and marked with (2) tall "START" flags.

The first mile of the 5K route (approx.) will meander through parts of the Zoo.  We can't guarantee that animals will be on exhibit.

The remainder of the 5K route will be on the roadways of Duid Hill Park. 

There will be one water station that the 5K route will pass (2) times.

Miles 1, 2, and 3 will all be marked with official race signage.

The finish line will be just in front of the Waterfowl Pavilion, back inside the Zoo.

We love our four-legged friends, but pets are not allowed at this event.

We are glad to welcome strollers. It is easiest if they start towards the back of the corral or along the side of the corral.

There will be one water station on the course.

We highly discourage the use of any in-ear devices as the event and safety staff may need to communicate with you while on the course. 

There may be some portable restroom units in Druid Hill Park, but these are not associated with our event and cannot be guaranteed.

The start line will be just inside the Eagle Gate of the Maryland Zoo.  

The finish line will be near the Waterfowl Pavilion of the Maryland Zoo.