Run for the Zoo 2026

About the Event

For more than four decades, runners of all levels and abilities have been raising money to support Lincoln Park Zoo with Run for the Zoo, now in its 48th year! The race route is suitable for all experience levels and features a flat, scenic route that winds in and around the zoo, allowing for beautiful views of Chicago’s skyline, Lake Michigan, protected natural areas, and zoo habitats.

All participants receive:

Tech-blend shirt with 2026 animal theme
Special edition finisher medal
Digital swag bag
Access to the post-race party
(Wildlife Warriors only) Bonus piece of merch with 2026 animal theme
(Kids’ Course participants only) Kids’ Course T-shirt and medal
(Volunteers only) Crew T-shirt with 2026 animal theme

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!

Races Offered

10K Run

May 31, 2026

straighten

Distance — 10K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$47.99

10K Virtual

May 31, 2026

straighten

Distance — 10K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$47.99

5K Run

May 31, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$44.99

5K Virtual

May 31, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$44.99

5K Walk (Untimed)

May 31, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$44.99

Kids' Course

May 31, 2026

straighten

Distance — Kids Course

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$24.99

Wildlife Warrior (5K + 10K)

May 31, 2026

straighten

Distance — 15K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$92.98

Wildlife Warrior (5K + 10K) Virtual

May 31, 2026

straighten

Distance — Wildlife Warrior (5K + 10K) Virtual

terrain

Type — Running

timer

07:30

sell

$92.99

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Chicago.

thermostat Temperature

10.1° / 19.2°

wb_sunny Feels like

6.9° / 16.6°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

10h 51m

water_drop Avg rainfall

2.3 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

14.5 km/h (Gentle breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Low

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

High (6.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

72.5%

wb_twilight Sunrise

05:29

nightlight Sunset

20:04

About Chicago

Learn more about the host city, Chicago.

Chicago is the home of the blues and the truth of jazz, the heart of comedy and the idea of the skyscraper. Here, the age of railroads found its center, and airplanes followed suit. "Stormy, Husky, Brawling / City of Big Shoulders," Chicago is a Heartland boomtown, its ethos defined by urban planner Daniel Burnham's immortal vision: "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood." It is one of the world's great cities and the third largest city in the United States, behind only New York City and Los Angeles.

Hotels & Places to Stay

sell

Registration Discount

Use the promo code below during registration to save on entry fees.

5% OFF

Promo code RUNGUIDES5

*Promo codes are collected from publicly available sources. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any brand listed. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Offers may expire or change without notice.