Zoo Run Run at Nashville Zoo

Zoo Run Run

Presented by Publix

Join a herd of runners and walkers at Zoo Run Run for a winter 5K adventure! Bundle up, hit the trail, and gallop through the Zoo’s property, including areas not normally available to the public. Zoo Run Run is a rain, snow or shine event. 

WHEN: Saturday, February 28th, 2026 | 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Day-Of Packet Pickup will open at 1pm for those unable to attend advance registration dates. Please note that attending day-of packet pickup may mean that you do not have time for pre-race activities. Pre-race activities kick off at 2:00 pm and the parking lot will close to additional vehicle traffic at 2:45 pm to clear for the race path. The race begins promptly at 3:00 pm.

WHERE: Nashville Zoo (3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211)

WHY: Proceeds from Zoo Run Run help fund the Zoo's conservation work.

• Friends and families are welcome to join us for a brisk stroll instead of a run. Be aware that some of the course is off-road.
• Have little ones? Grab your off-road stroller and join the fun!  
• Please note, pets are not allowed on Zoo property and cannot be left in vehicles, join on the route, or wait at the finish line.

Race Details

Registration Options

Choose to run or walk as a timed or untimed participant. Every registrant receives a long-sleeve performance t-shirt, a race bib and post-race refreshments. Souvenir Participant Medal upgrades are available at an additional fee while supplies last.

2026 Shirt Design (coming soon)!: included with each race registration or additional shirts available from ZRR Store

Optional 2026 Participation Medal Upgrade: available for upgrade during registration or from ZRR Store

2025 Runner Map (2026 map to be released Feb 2026): Please note that race observers are restricted to Race Central and only registered runners are allowed on the race path through the Zoo.

Pre-Race Festivities

Make sure to attend advance packet pickup days to have time to participate in the full lineup of race day festivities! All observer tickets will have access to join in on the below activities.

• Prep for the big race with our Stretching with the Animal Zone at Jungle Terrace to learn some fun animal stretches
• Take a quick sprint down the Winner's Lane to practice your final push to the finish line
• Join in on special animal encounters at the Ajax Turner Amphitheater
• Snap a commemorative photo and join in on the virtual Costume Contest
• Enjoy free rides at the Screaming Eagle Zipline, Wild Animal Carousel, and Chik-fil-A 4D Adventure Theater
• Stop by Unseen New World Exhibits, Lorikeet Landing, and Gibbon Island to visit with some animal friends on exhibit
• Help your cheering section scope out the best viewing spot from our three points of race viewing
• Enjoy Post-Race Stretching opportunities with Stretch Lab at 3:45PM or 4:15PM

Children

Everyone participating in the race over age 5 will need to register as a timed or untimed participant. Young children (ages 2-5) are welcome to ride in a stroller during the race but will need a $10 Race Observer Ticket (see what's included below) for entry into the race area. Children under age 2 are free and do not need a ticket.

Race Observer / Spectator Tickets

Zoo Run Run will begin inside the Zoo in 2026 so that race observers will have access to the Festival Field area to watch the start line/finish line and enjoy free access to the zip line, carousel, and 4D theater throughout the race! Each person (ages 2+), including Zoo members, wishing to access the start/finish will need a Race Observer ticket. These must be purchased separately from runner registration in person on race day or in advance on our Zoo ticketing site.

Prizes

Race prizes will be awarded by chipped time - the time runners cross the start and finish lines. 

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will receive medal recognition at the 4PM Awards Ceremony. Placing in an overall category will result in exclusion from a lower category (you can only win a medal in one category). Award Medal placement will not impact your ability to purchase a participant medal upgrade.

1st place runners in each category will additionally receive 4 Zoo admission tickets ($100 value) and a $30 gift card to local Fleet Feet retail stores.

Chipped 5K Run/Walk (Timed) Prize Categories:

• Overall Male/Female
• Masters (40+) Male/Female
• Grandmasters (50+) Male/Female
• 10-14 Male/Female
• 9 & Under Male/Female

Advance Packet Pick-up

Thursday, February 26th and Friday, February 27th | 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Nashville Zoo’s Croft Center

Corral Information 

To reduce congestion at the beginning of the race, the 2026 Zoo Run Run will implement start corrals. The race will start in waves allowing timed runners to begin ahead of untimed runners, followed by those who plan to walk or have strollers. 

Fundraising Contest

Share your registration with your family and friends and encourage them to donate in your name to be eligible to win a backstage tour as a thank you for going the extra mile! Donations will benefit Trees for You and Me.

Prizes:
The top fundraiser will win an exclusive animal encounter that is not offered anywhere else. (Minimum of $200 raised is required to be eligible for the prize)

Virtual Costume Contest

Come dressed to impress in animal or Zoo themed costumes for your chance at winning a Backstage Pass tour for four!

Costume Contest Rules:

Must have participated in the 2026 Zoo Run Run. Your runner bib must clearly be visible in your photo submission and take place within Zoo grounds. Photos may include one costumed individual or costumed group of up to four individuals.

Process: Photos must be submitted via the Nashville Zoo Facebook Costume Contest Post by end of the day, Saturday Feb 28th 2026. The photos with the most public reactions by Monday March 1st will be chosen as the winners. Nashville Zoo staff will announce winning costume contest submissions for the categories of: Top voted group submission (up to 4 people per group) & Top voted individual submission. Winners will be notified via their runner registration email, and on the Zoo’s social media along with the general public on Monday March 1st - where the winners will be announced and photos displayed.

Prize: The winners will have their photos displayed on our website and social media. Each winner (group winners as one unit) will receive one (1) award certificate for a backstage pass tour up to (4) guests and (4) complimentary Zoo General Admission tickets. Zoo certificate and tickets are eligible for use by the winner(s) during the 2025 calendar year and are not transferable.

Terms & Conditions:

All contest entrants agree to have their photo used in promotional purposes including but not limited to advertising, social media, brochures or signage.
Contest entrants will not be compensated or reimbursed for their photo submissions.
The contest is open to registered runners of Nashville Zoo Zoo Run Run. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law.  All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply and all taxes are the responsibility of the winner.
Those submitting photos into the contest must be over 18. The subjects of the photos may be of any age. Any inappropriate conduct in photos or among photo comments is subject to removal from the contest and Facebook Post.
All entrants agree to release the sponsors from any and all liability, claims or actions of any kind whatsoever for injuries, damages or losses of any kind to persons and property, including any accident, loss, injury or death resulting from entry into the sweepstakes and/or occurring or in any way related to the prizes.