Lace up your running shoes and get ready for a wild adventure at Zoo Knoxville’s brand-new Red Panda Run 5K, a unique race experience that begins and ends inside the zoo. Participants will race past some of the zoo’s most iconic habitats while supporting wildlife conservation.
The Red Panda Run kicks off at the Boyd Family Red Panda Village and takes runners on a scenic three-mile journey through Zoo Knoxville and neighboring Chilhowee Park. Along the course, participants will pass tigers, gibbons, rhinos, great apes, and the all-new Timber Loop Boardwalk. Two on-course water stations will be available to keep runners hydrated.
Age group winners will receive exclusive Red Panda swag, and the overall winner, along with their family, will enjoy a special meet-and-greet with one of Zoo Knoxville’s resident red pandas on race day.
All race participants will receive:
Spectator tickets will be available for $20 the week before the event. Spectators will remain in the main plaza during the race, with clear views of the starting line, Mile 2 marker, and finish line. Spectator admission includes access to the post-race party and zoo admission for the day.
Race Day Schedule
7:00 a.m. — Registration and Main Plaza open
8:00 a.m. — Race begins
8:30–10:00 a.m. — Post-Race Party at Sugarland’s BARn
Registration Fees
$40 — Member Registration (February 27–March 3)
$40 — Early Bird Registration (March 4–March 24)
$45 — Tier 1 General Registration (March 25–April 28)
$50 — General Registration (April 29–May 24)
$60 — Day Before/Day Of Registration (May 25–30)
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just looking for a fun way to experience Zoo Knoxville, the Red Panda Run offers a memorable course, family-friendly atmosphere, and the chance to celebrate one of the zoo’s most beloved species.
May 30, 2026
Distance — 3.1 Miles
Type — Running
08:00
$40.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Knoxville.
Learn more about the host city, Knoxville.
Knoxville, in Knox County, is the third-largest city in Tennessee. It is the home of the University of Tennessee's primary campus (UTK) and site of the 1982 World's Fair.
Read more launchExplore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Knoxville, Tennessee, US
calendar_today Mar 07, 2026
location_on Knoxville, Tennessee, US
calendar_today Mar 07, 2026
location_on Knoxville, Tennessee, US
calendar_today Mar 14, 2026
Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.
Nov 21, 2026
The RUN Manatee 5k series offers THREE adventures to celebrate ONE community. Participants will discover Manatee County…
Read more
Nov 28, 2026
Join us for the annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k! A fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.The…
Read more
Dec 13, 2026
Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course 5k/12k! A fun, Christmas-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.Th…
Read more
Mar 21, 2027
WE ARE NOW OFFERING AN AQUABIKE DIVISION! Triathlon Information:Join us for the annual Space Coast Triathlon, held in …
Read more