Schools

Run for the Zoo 2026 School Program

Presented by

We are excited to announce the return of the Run for the Zoo School Program!

This beloved contest needs your help by serving as a School Coordinator. You can also recruit a coach, teacher, or a staff member to lead this team. Rally your students to go on a “wild” run while supporting the ABQ BioPark.

Student registration for the 1 Mile and 5K Fitness is just $16. Students will receive $3 off the 5K Timed and 10K Timed races.

Family can register through the School Program to receive their race packets, but only students will receive a discount.

Help the Zoo and have fun, too!

We have events for all ages and fitness levels; sign up your school early to receive great incentives!
First 50 Coordinators to Sign Up: If you register your school between January 1-31, 2026, your school will gain access to Run for the Zoo’s early-bird registration rates. All Youth and Adult fees will be discounted for each race.
Registration includes an event T-shirt, FREE Zoo admission on Race Day, coupons, refreshments, and more!
Past-participating schools will compete against other grade-level schools for the coveted Traveling Trophy and 1st, 2nd and 3rd place banners! New schools will have the chance to be named “Top New School!” **
School coordinators also win great prizes, including $500 worth of needed supplies or equipment from School Program sponsor Xfinity.

*Schools must collect 10 student registrations to qualify for entry fee discount and at least 25 total entrants for t-shirt packet delivery. Student discounts not offered on Half Marathon. Winning schools are based on school registration totals.

**Schools that have not participated in the School Program within the past five years are eligible to win “Top New School of 2026!”

What does a School Coordinator do?

Serve as school contact and promote Run for the Zoo
Display posters and bookmarks, distribute online registration link or paper registration forms
Encourage students, fellow faculty, and families to participate
Collect paper registration forms and fees from mid-February to mid-March
Turn in all forms and fees March 23-27 (unless all registrations are online)
Distribute T-shirt packets delivered to your school prior to the event

RFTZ 2026: School Coordinator Sign-up Form

School Information:
School Name*
School Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
School Phone*
School Enrollment*
Language for Poster and Registration Forms*
Coordinator Information:
Coordinator Name*
First Last
Coordinator Email*
Coordinator Title*
Coordinator Phone:*