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 days:
Feb 21: Regular Registration
April 13: Late Registration
May 6: 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 & provide participants the best experience possible! Don’t get left in the dust! Register NOW…before it sells out!
Late Registration begins on April 13 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 Saturday, May 6, and on Race Day, May 7, space permitting.
LOCATION: Coming Soon
SATURDAY, May 6 |8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Pick up your BIB Number, Timing Tag (timed events only), t-shirt, coupons and more!
Saturday, May 6, is the ONLY day for EARLY PACKET PICK UP.
Packets can be collected on Race Day at the Late Registration booth. Please allow 30-45 minutes before your event start time. Visiting Packet Pick Up on Saturday to collect your packet is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.
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 refunds for transferring to a lesser expensive race will not be offered.
To read our full Parking & Spectator Information PDF, please check back soon.
Run for the Zoo utilizes the ChronoTrack B-Tag Timing System. Disposable timing tag is located on the back of your BIB. With ChronoTrack timing, your official time begins as you cross the Start Line mat and stops when you cross the Finish Line. All timed events are USATF certified. Don’t forget your BIB on event day! Remember, No BIB means No Time!
ChronoTrack BIB Instructions Here →
In order to receive an accurate time, your BIB must be:
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 event 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. Registration transfers will be subject to the current pricing and refunds for transferring to a lesser expensive race will not be offered.
If you are switching to an event with fees lower than the event you originally registered for, you will not receive a refund. If you are switching to an event with a fee increase, you will be charged for the price difference. If you registered at an early or regular registration rate, and you are attempting to upgrade to an event during late registration, late fees will apply.
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 exhibits! Wolves, polar bears, 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+
Results for the timed events can be found near the Awards Tent just north of the Zoo entrance (west of the Finish Line) or on the “Results” tab of this website.
Results may be modified up to two weeks as necessary.
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. S.W. 87102) after Monday, May 15, through May 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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.
UNM EMS and registered nurses are mobile on the course and stationary near the Info Booth (south of the Finish Line and east of the Zoo entrance) with capability to handle any general first aid needs or other medical emergencies. ABQ Fire & Rescue paramedics are on-site for dispatch as needed. Event Volunteers wear specially-colored “Zoo Crew” 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 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.
To view our full Parking Service & Happenings PDF, visit https://runforthezoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/RFTZ23-Parking-Services-Happenings.pdf
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.
All Run for the Zoo participants and volunteers will get into the ABQ BioPark Zoo for FREE on Sunday, May 7, with their bib or volunteer t-shirt. A limited number of tickets will be available to spectators and other guests at regular zoo admission prices.
For Zoo prices, visit https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/about-the-biopark/tickets.
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 or VIP tent access. 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, 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 2023 Neighborhood Notice.