- Starts on Startlight Drive.
- The start line is approximately .5 miles from the main entrance. Please allow extra time to arrive.
- Run starts in waves. Please line up according to the wave signs
- Strollers must line up with the walkers and will not be allowed to run
- No dogs allowed inside the Zoo.
- Please finish the event and use your free entry to go back into the Zoo to see the animals. The finish line closes at 11:30am.

4 mile run

4 mile walk/run through the Kansas City Zoo starting in Swope Park!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st.

4 mile
timed event

8:30 AM

For 2024, all participants will sign up according to their estimated minute per mile. Bib and corral information will be provided according to your estimate finishing time.

wave schedule

Elite Runner, <7:00 min mile 
7:00-8:00 min mile 
8:00 – 9:00 min mile 
9:00 – 10:00 min mile 
10:00 – 11:00 min mile 
11:00 – 12:00 min mile 
12:00 – 13:00 min mile 
13:00 – 14:00 min mile 
Walker >14:00 min mile 

Specific signing will divide each wave. If you choose to run with others, please sign up according to the slower time. 

1 mile run

1 mile fun run/walk through the zoo! Great for families, kids, and strollers

1 mile
fun run

9:45 AM

strollers for the 4 and 1 mile

If you sign up for the 4 mile event, you can also participate in the 1 mile event at 9:45 am, with other 1 mile participants, as long as you are still wearing your 4 Mile bib, for no extra charge.
*4 mile medals will be given only to 4 mile participants and 1 mile medals will be given to only 1 Mile participants. NOTE: Medals will only be given to participants wearing the appropriate bib.

RUNNING THE 1 MILE WITH YOUR FAMILY AFTER YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE 4 MILE:

- Starts near Elephant Exhibit inside the Zoo - Enter through main gate
- 1-Mile runners should arrive at the starting line no later than 9:30am to avoid congestion with walkers and strollers
- Strollers must line up with the walkers and are not allowed to run
- No dogs allowed inside the Zoo. 
- Please finish the event and use your free entry to go back into the Zoo to see the animals. The finish line closes at 11:30am.

No warm up will be allowed inside the Zoo. All warm up and cool down should take place outside the Zoo in Swope Park.

PARTICIPANT'S INSTRUCTIONS

Warm Up: 

Chip timing will be used in the 4-Mile event. The 1-Mile event will not be timed.

Please note if it has rained or there is dew from the night before, some of the wooden bridges and walkways could be slippery, so please take caution. For the safety of all participants, radio headsets, roller skates, roller blades, bicycles and dogs are NOT allowed on the course, with the exception of strollers or joggers allowed for walkers in the 4 mile and the 1 mile event. If first aid is needed, contact Zoo Personnel. The Zoo Run course is like a trail run and has some narrow pathways and irregular pavement. Please make sure you stay to your right at all times, and please yield to runners who will be coming from behind.

Participant Course Safety: 

aid stations:

Water and sports drinks will be provided at 2 Aid Stations throughout the course. See map for specific locations.

Please wear your bib on your front side for photos. Your bib has a tear tag for a 1 day entry into the Zoo on it. Your Zoo ticket is good until 12/31/2023 (1 use only). Make sure you have it with you if you need to leave and come back.

BIBS:

Chip Timing: