30th Annual Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo
Sun, Sep 13, 2026, 4:00 AM EDT
- Type
- Walk
Sign up and verify details on the organizer's official page.
Race feel
Run or walk through the Detroit Zoo and neighboring woods in this unique annual event, complete with educational stops and a zoo finish.
- Fun
- Competitive
- Quirky
Fun
Competitive
QuirkyGreat for
- Walkers Welcome
Walkers WelcomeJoin thousands for the 30th Annual Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo, a beloved event offering both a competitive 5K and a leisurely Fun Walk. The 5K takes you through neighboring Huntington Woods before a unique finish inside the Detroit Zoo. For a more relaxed experience, the 1.25-mile Fun Walk allows you to wander through the zoo at your own pace, complete with educational activities and treat stations. This annual tradition is a wonderful way to experience the zoo in a new light.
From the organizer
Join thousands of runners and walkers on Sunday, Sept. 13 for Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo, sponsored by Michigan First Credit Union. During this annual event, you can compete in a 5K run or enjoy a stroll through the Zoo with our non-competitive Fun Walk.
Important Participant Information:
Race Options
5K -
Starts at 8 a.m. Start the race on 10 Mile Service Drive Dash through neighboring Huntington Woods Finish inside the Zoo Fun Walk-
Starts at 8:45 a.m. Take a 1.25-mile stroll through the Zoo Wander the Detroit Zoo at a leisurely pace Enjoy educational activities and treat stations along the way Race Packets
In-Person Packet Pickup & Guest Registration will be available in the 10 Mile Parking Lot at the Detroit Zoo during the following times: Saturday, Sept. 12 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 – 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Virtual Packets can be mailed for an additional fee. Race Day Registration
Available 6 to 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13. Registration closes 30 minutes before the race starts. Start timing mats turn off 10 minutes after the official race start. Runners starting late will be assigned gun time (official race start time). Spectator tickets are available during the registration process. Adults $15 Children $10
Important Race Day Reminders!
🚧 10 Mile Road will be closed for the 5K—expect heavy traffic! Arrive early to avoid delays.
5K begins promptly at 8 a.m. Fun Walk begins at 8:45 a.m. Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo is a special event and is not included with a Detroit Zoological Society membership. Registration is required for all participants ages 2 and older. Members who wish to participate in Run Wild must register for the event. The 5K finish line is inside the Zoo. Those wishing to see their family or friends finish the race must purchase a Spectator admission. Spectator admission for this special event can be purchased in conjunction with race registration or during packet pickup hours. Spectators with wristbands must enter the Zoo by 9 a.m. Please note, members cannot use their membership to get into the Zoo until it opens to the general public at 9 a.m. For the safety of all participants, bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, roller skates and animals are not allowed at Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo. Strollers are permitted for the Fun Walk and the back of the 5K race.
Chip Timed