Henry Vilas Zoo - Run Wild

Event overview

HENRY VILAS ZOO - RUN WILD is a fundraising run and walk held at Henry Vilas Zoo in late September 2026. The event includes the following distances:

• 5K Run
• 5K Walk
• 10K Run
• Kids Fun Run (open to ages 12 and under; 500 spots available)

All runners and walkers receive a Run Wild t-shirt. Registration fees listed for the events are $35 for the 5K run, 5K walk, and 10K run, and $30 for the Kids Fun Run. There is a referral program that offers a refund of up to $35 for referring five or more participants.

Location, beneficiaries, and logistics

Races begin on the Lake Wingra side of Henry Vilas Zoo. The 5K and 10K races start just outside the zoo South gate on Vilas Park Dr; the Kids Fun Run starts just outside the North gate. Race packets may be picked up at the zoo Guest Services building beginning Friday, September 12, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Organizers state they cannot guarantee shirt sizes for packets picked up on race day. Proceeds support Henry Vilas Zoo and the Ol Jogi Wildlife Rangers, a 58,000-acre conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, whose rangers work on wildlife protection and community support. Additional event information is available through the Henry Vilas Zoo website. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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