PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

Take a walk — or run — on the wild side at the Detroit Zoo’s upcoming fundraiser.

Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo, sponsored by Ford Motor Company, is returning Sept. 11. Thousands of runners and walkers will lace up their running shoes for this annual 5K run and 1.25-mile non-competitive Fun Walk. Runners start at the Detroit Zoo’s 10 Mile Road entrance and wind through the scenic streets of Huntington Woods surrounding the Zoo. The 5K finish line is inside the Zoo. Walkers follow a course past many of the Zoo’s popular animal habitats.

All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt and a collectible finisher medal upon completion of the race. Runners and walkers are also invited to a post-race party, sponsored by Kroger, and will be able to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the Zoo.

Funds raised from Run Wild support the Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex and veterinary care for the animals at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.

“Run Wild is an excellent event that we look forward to all year,” said Randi Hamilton, vice president of guest services, marketing and communications for the Detroit Zoological Society. “The best part will be the funds raised to help us provide outstanding veterinary care to the animals who call the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center home.”

Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo begins with the 5K run at 8 a.m., followed by the untimed fun walk at 8:45 a.m. Visit runwild.detroitzoo.org to register. Online registration is available through Thursday, Sept 8. Following Sept. 8, runners and walkers can register in person at the Detroit Zoo up to the morning of the race.

Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo is also supported by Pepsi, IBEW Local 58, KeyBank, DTE Energy and Kroger.