Birmingham Zoo Run

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The Birmingham Zoo Run is an annual 5-kilometer foot race sponsored by the Birmingham Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) and held at the Birmingham Zoo in May. The proceeds of each year's run goes to a non-profit group focusing on a particular species of wild animal.

History

The species supported by the run changes every three years. The first set supported the International Elephant Foundation and was subtitled "Stampeding for Wild Elephants." The second set supported the Orangutan Conservatory and was subtitled "Run Wild for Orangutans." The third set supported Painted Dog Conservation and was subtitled "Run Wild for Painted Dogs." The fourth set supported the Marine Mammal Center and was subtitled "Miles for Marine Mammals." The fifth set is supporting the Global Conservation Corps (GCC) and is subtitled "Run for Future Rangers."

The firs two years, the race was held the second Friday of May. Starting in 2008, the race has been held on either the second of third Saturday of May, except for 2018 when it was held on the first Saturday of May.

Zoo Run 2006.jpg

2006

The 1st Annual Zoo Run was held Friday, May 12, 2006. The two main events were the 10K Cheetah Challenge and 5K You Can Toucan. There was also a Turtle Trot fun run for children. Through participants and sponsors, the event raised raised over $10,000 for the International Elephant Foundation.

2007

The 2nd Annual Zoo Run was scheduled to be held Friday, May 11, 2007. Planned events were the 5K Elephant Stampede, plus fun runs the Turtle Trot (ages 0-2), You Can Toucan (ages 3-6), and Cheetah Challenge (7-12). Due to lightning, all runs were canceled and the zoo was unable to reschedule. To compensate participants, a free day for them was held at the zoo on June 10. Despite the weather, a party with food and animal encounters was still held in the children's zoo. Proceeds went to the International Elephant Foundation.

2008

The 3rd Annual Zoo Run was held Saturday, May 10, 2008. Proceeds went to the International Elephant Foundation.

Zoo Run 2009.jpg

2009

The 4th Annual Zoo Run was held Saturday, May 16, 2009. The main event was the 5K Run Wild for Orangutans. Fun runs included the Turtle Trot (for ages 0-2), Chicken Cha-Cha (3-4), Zebra Zip (5-6), and Cheetah Challenge (7-12). Proceeds went to the Orangutan Conservatory. The Zoo stated afterward on their web site that it was their best turnout to date.

2010

The 5th Annual Zoo Run was held Saturday, May 15, 2010. The main event was the 5K Run Wild for Orangutans. Fun runs include the Turtle Trot (for ages 0-2), Chicken Cha-Cha (3-4), Zebra Zip (5-6), Cheetah Challenge (7-12), and a one-mile family fun run. Some courses were changed from previous years due to construction. Proceeds went to the Orangutan Conservatory.

2011

The 6th Annual Zoo Run was held Saturday, May 14, 2011. The main event was the 5K Run Wild for Orangutans followed by a series of fun runs for kids (Turtle Trot, Chicken Cha-Cha, Zebra Zip, and Cheetah Challenge). The courses were changed to include the new Trails of Africa exhibits.

2012 Birmingham Zoo Run.jpg

2012

The 7th Annual Zoo Run was held Saturday, May 19, 2012. The main event was the 5K Run Wild for Painted Dogs followed by a series of fun runs for kids (Turtle Trot, Chicken Cha-Cha, Groundhog Gallop, and Serval Strut). Proceeds went to Painted Dog Conservation.

2013

The 8th Annual Zoo Run was held Saturday, May 11, 2013. The main event was the 5K Run Wild for Painted Dogs followed by a series of fun runs for kids (Turtle Trot, Chicken Cha-Cha, Groundhog Gallop, and Serval Strut). Proceeds went to Painted Dog Conservation. A few days before the race, the Zoo stated they expected over 400 runners.

2014

The 9th Annual Zoo Run was held Saturday, May 17, 2014. The main event was the 5K Run Wild for Painted Dogs followed by a series of fun runs for kids: Turtle Trot (0-2), Chicken Cha-Cha (3-4), Skunk Scurry (5-7), and Serval Sprint (8-12). Proceeds went to Painted Dog Conservation.

Zoo Run 2015.jpg

2015

The 10th Annual Zoo Run was held Saturday, May 16, 2015. The main event was the 5K Miles for Marine Mammals followed by a series of fun run for kids: Turtle Trot (0-2), Chicken Cha-Cha (3-4), Skunk Scurry (5-7), and Serval Sprint (8-12). Proceeds went to the Marine Mammal Center.

2016

The 11th Annual Zoo Run was held Saturday, May 21, 2016. The main event was the 5K Miles for Marine Mammals followed by a series of fun run for kids. Proceeds went to the Marine Mammal Center.

2017

The 12th Annual Zoo Run was held Saturday, May 20, 2017. The main event was the 5K Miles for Marine Mammals followed by a series of fun run for kids. Proceeds went to the Marine Mammal Center.

2018 Zoo Run.png

2018

The 13th Annual Zoo Run was held Saturday, May 5, 2018. The main event was the 5K Run for Future Rangers followed by a series of fun run for kids. Proceeds went to the Global Conservation Corps (GCC), an organization that works to improve conservation in Africa by supporting the Zululand Rhino Orphanage and by helping to sponsor the future rangers program.

2019

The 14th Annual Zoo Run was held Saturday, May 18, 2019. The main event was the 5K Run for Future Rangers followed by a series of fun run for kids: Turtle Trot (ages 0-2), Chicken Cha-Cha (3-4), Skunk Skurry (5-6), and Coati Canter (7-12). Proceeds went to the Global Conservation Corps (GCC).

References