Run for the Zoo 2026

Run for the Zoo makes it easy for anyone, from toddlers to elite athletes, to help support their favorite species at the zoo and save them in the wild! Choose from:

* 10K Run
* 5K Run
* 5K Walk
* Kids’ Course (for kids ages 3–8)
* Wildlife Warrior (run both the 10K and 5K)
* Virtual Race options

All race participants receive a tech-blend shirt, high-quality medal, and other post-race goodies. Kids’ Course participants also receive a T-shirt and Kids’ Course medal.

It costs $108,000 a day to fund Lincoln Park Zoo operations—everything from state-of-the-art animal care and global conservation work to interactive learning programs and groundbreaking scientific research. More than 80% of that operating cost is funded by memberships, donations, guest visits, and events like Run for the Zoo. Your participation helps keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open to all, 365 days a year!

You may also like the following events from Lincoln Park Zoo:

• This Thursday, 11th December, 06:30 pm, Adults Night Out: Holidaze Presented by Grey Goose Vodka and Patrón Tequila in Chicago
• This Friday, 12th December, 04:30 pm, ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd in Chicago
• Next Monday, 15th December, 04:30 pm, ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd in Chicago

Also check out other Kids events & activities in Chicago, Sports events in Chicago, Workshops in Chicago.