Run for the Zoo 2026 School Program

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Run for the Zoo 2026 School Program

Run for the Zoo 2026 School Sign ups have closed!

Thank you to all who have chosen to participate. Coordinator Packets will be delivered during the week of February 16-20, 2026 with the school program student registrations beginning on February 16, 2026. Good luck and we will see all of you at the finish line!

School settlement is March 23-27, 2026 mark your calendars now.

Scroll to the bottom of this page to see our participating school list!

Help the Zoo and have fun, too!

  • We are excited to announce the 2026 School Program for Run for the Zoo!

    This beloved contest needs your help by serving as a School Coordinator. School Coordinators can be a coach, teacher, a staff member or PTA member to lead this team. We will provide you with a packet of instructions and fun supplies to help 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 and friends can register through the School Program, 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!

    • 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 school code or paper registration forms

  • Encourage students, fellow faculty, and families to participate

  • Collect paper registration forms and fees through end-February to mid-March

  • Turn in all forms and fees March 18-22 (unless all registrations are online)

  • Distribute T-shirt packets delivered to your school prior to the event

    Schools must collect a minimum of 25 total registrations for T-shirt packet delivery. Schools with under 25 registrations must pick up their packets at the New Mexico BioPark Society office. Week of April 20, 2026

Thank you to our 2026 participating schools!

A. Montoya Elementary School Explore Academy
Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science Griegos Elementary School
Albuquerque Christian School Hawthorne Elementary School
Alvarado Elementary School Highland High School
Atrisco Elementary School Inez Elementary
Atrisco Heritage Academy High School James Monroe Middle School
Cibola High School Lincoln Middle School
Cielo Azul Elementary School Los Padillas Elementary School
Cien Aquas International School Manzano Day School
Colinas del Norte Elementary School Monte Vista Elementary School
Corrales K-8 nex+Gen Academy
Cottonwood School NM International School
Coyote Willow Family School Rio Rancho Elementary School
Dolores Gonzales Elementary School Rudolfo Anaya Elementary School
Double Eagle Elementary School Salam Academy
Eisenhower Middle School Sunset Mesa School
Ernest Stapleton Elementary School Valle Vista Elementary School
Wherry Elementary School