Frequently Asked Questions
Run for the Zoo event prices can be viewed by clicking the “Register Now” button at the top of this website.
Please note: All event fees will increase on the following dates.
Feb 17: Regular Registration
April 10: Late Registration
May 1 & 2: In-person Packet Pick Up Registration
Event fees will increase on Race Day, space permitting.
RACE to the START LINE! Due to overwhelming popularity, there is a Maximum Capacity on ALL events to maintain a safe course and provide participants with the best experience possible! Don’t get left in the dust! Register NOW…before it sells out!
Late Registration begins on April 10, and prices will increase. Please check the Events page for prices.
If the event does not sell out, we will accept in-person registrations at Packet Pick Up on Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2, and on Race Day, May 3, space permitting.
LOCATION: GAAR Event Center
1635 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
FRIDAY, MAY 1 | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, May 2 | 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Pick up your BIB Number, Timing Tag (timed events only), t-shirt, coupons and more!
If you are collecting another participant’s packet, please be ready to provide a first name, last name, and event choice.
Don’t forget to stop by the Fleet Feet Sports mobile store and shop for running gear. They always have amazing items on sale at Packet Pick Up!
Did you buy additional merchandise when you registered? Your items will be available when you collect your race packet.
If you can’t make it to Packet Pick Up, your items will be available on-site on Race Day. The cut-off time is 30 minutes before your event.
Children 2 and under DO NOT have to register for Run for the Zoo unless you would like a t-shirt for the child.
Only ADA-recognized service animals are allowed at Run for the Zoo.
Registration transfers are allowed and can be completed through your confirmation email and your participant dashboard on the Race Entry registration website. Registration transfers will be subject to the current pricing, and we will not offer refunds when transferring to a less expensive race.
Click here for our full Participant & Spectator Information PDF. (versión en español)
Run for the Zoo utilizes Race Result Passive UHF disposable transponders. Your official time begins when you cross the start line. Don’t forget your bib at home, no bib, no time!
In order to receive an accurate time, follow these instructions:
- Bib should be clearly visible on your outermost layer
- Do NOT fold or wrinkle
- Pin in all four corners
Due to its popularity, the 5K Timed Race utilizes a wave start. There are four (4) waves starting at 9:30 a.m. and releasing in 5-minute intervals organized according to your predicted min/mile pace. Your BIB will state which wave you are placed in. Make sure you are in the CORRECT wave!
5K Timed Pace:
- Wave 1: 9:14 – Faster
- Wave 2: 9:15 – 10:44
- Wave 3: 10:45 – 12:40
- Wave 4: 12:41 +
(Above times are pace times, not start times)
Transferring to a different TIMED race is only available if your desired event isn’t already sold out. Registration transfers are allowed and can be completed through your confirmation email and your participant dashboard on the Race Entry registration website.
If you switch to an event with fees lower than the race you originally registered for, you will not receive a refund. You will be charged the price difference if you switch to a race with a fee increase. Late fees will apply if you register during an early or regular registration rate period and attempt to upgrade to a race during late registration.
All event courses run through the neighborhoods around the ABQ BioPark Zoo and along the Bosque.
Download Run for the Zoo Course Map here
1 Mile Fun Run/Walk Course takes you on an adventure through the back of the ZOO! See what life is like behind some of your favorite animal habitats! Wolves, polar bear, cats, and elephants – Oh, my!
Medals are awarded to the top (3) Male & Female age group runners determined by chip time for the Half Marathon, 10K Timed and 5K Timed races only (see below for age brackets). Overall & Masters (40+) Male & Female awards are determined by gun time. Winners will be awarded the highest level of award for their finish time. No ‘double dipping’. Lower level awards will go to the next fastest runner in that gender/age division.
Overall Winners: Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Timed Races 1st Place Male & Female Champion Medal
Masters Winners: Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Timed Races 1st Place Male & Female Champion Medal
Half Marathon: All Half Marathon participants will receive finisher medals
Age Brackets: 1-13, 14-16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+
If you opted for text message results during registration, you will receive your results within 10 minutes of crossing the finish line.
You may also use our self-service results kiosks, which are located in Tingley Field’s parking lot at the KRQE Media Group Awards & Results Tent.
First, second and third-place medals for Overall and Age Bracket will be available as follows:
9:30 a.m. | Half Marathon
10:00 a.m. | 10K Timed
10:30 a.m. | 5K Timed
If you placed in your timed race and age category, you can pick up your medal at the KRQE Awards table on Race Day or visit the New Mexico BioPark Society office (1320 Iron Ave. SW, 87102) after Wednesday, May 8 through May 22.
Please Note: Your overall time will be correct, but your place within your age bracket can change until the results are final. Results may be modified up to two weeks as necessary.
Pets, rollerblades, bicycles, and scooters are not permitted at the event.
The Half Marathon time limit is 3 1/2 hours from start to finish. NO Walkers!
Baby strollers, joggers and carriers are allowed in the 1 Mile and 5K Fitness Events ONLY and must start in the back.
Water & Portable Toilet stations are located on all courses. Portable toilets are also available at the Start and Finish lines. Potties are courtesy of AAA Pumping.
Half Marathon – 6 Water/Pottie locations
10K – 4 Water/Pottie locations
5K – 3 Water – 4 Pottie locations
1 Mile – 1 Water/Pottie location
UNM EMS are mobile on the course and stationary near the Info Booth (south of the Finish Line and east of the Zoo entrance) with the capability to handle any general first aid needs or other medical emergencies. Event Volunteers wear specially-colored “Zoo Crew” or “Volunteer” shirts. Please ask for help and report any incident. Police, volunteers and paramedics can be reached by radio.
Participants may store items at the Runner Gear Storage truck, brought to you by Hot Shot Services, located on Atlantic Ave. between the Start & Finish Lines. Bags are clearly marked with your BIB number, safely stored inside the truck and claimed after your event by showing your BIB.
Parking
The Run for the Zoo course runs through the neighborhood streets surrounding the start and finish lines, which means parking near the event is quite tricky. Please help us be good community members and respectful of our neighbors, and do not block the streets and driveways or use unapproved parking areas. Remember that parking ordinances are enforced.
FREE Park & Ride on May 3
Civic Center Underground Parking Garage, 328 Marquette Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
6:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. sharp!
Shuttles will pick up participants on Marquette Ave. in front of City Hall and drop them off at Coronado Elementary (5th St. SW and Iron Ave.) for a quick “warm up” walk to the start line on 8th St. and Atlantic. Return service to Civic Center is located back at Coronado Elementary.
When you exit the parking garage, insert your parking ticket into the machine and scan the QR code below to exit for free. (QR Code coming soon)
When utilizing Park & Ride, please allow yourself at least one hour of ride time before your event starts!
Park & Walk
Parking is available at the Hispanic Cultural Center (1701 4th St SW), and it’s a brisk walk to the start line.
Paid parking lots are also available, and those locations are listed in the PDF below.
If you want to drop off a family member or friend for their race, you can do so at 5th St. SW and Iron Ave. (Coronado Elementary) outside the course.
Click here to view our full Parking Service & Happenings PDF. (versión en español) Coming Soon
Click here to view the Parking Map PDF. Coming Soon
The course is closed to ALL vehicular traffic. Handicapped parking is available at Aquarium/Botanic Garden lot only. Take the FREE Park & Ride service to 5th & Iron, about three blocks from the Start Line. An ADA-accessible bus is on route the entire day.
It’s worth another mention—your race bib allows you free Zoo admission on Race Day! Don’t miss all the Run for the Zoo festivities inside the gates, including a vintage shirt!
Please Note: Children 2 and under, and if you are with other friends and family that did not run, they will need to pay Zoo admission. Tickets will be available two weeks before the event. Click here to book your visit!
The event will not be canceled. We will run, walk and have fun, rain, snow or shine!
NO refunds will be given on race registration fees. No exceptions. You may transfer your registration to another person, or your registration fee will be considered a donation to the New Mexico BioPark Society.
Please remember that 100% of net proceeds go back into the ABQ BioPark facility!
Huning Castle, Barelas, Raynolds & West Park Residents: Run for the Zoo is ‘running’ through your neighborhood. For the safety of our participants and volunteers, the course will be closed to non-emergency vehicular traffic starting at 6 a.m.
The Neighborhood Notice contains course maps, alternate routes and suggestions on how best to exit your neighborhood. Click here for the 2026 Neighborhood Notice PDF (coming soon).