July 08 Lafayette, Indiana – The Friends of Columbian Park Zoo is preparing for the 13th Annual “Zoo Run Run” 5K run/walk at 8:00 a.m. on July 18th at the Columbian Park Zoo. Race day activities begin at 6:30 a.m. and are expected to conclude by 11:00 a.m
July 08 Lafayette, Indiana – The Friends of Columbian Park Zoo is preparing for the 13th Annual “Zoo Run Run” 5K run/walk at 8:00 a.m. on July 18th at the Columbian Park Zoo. Race day activities begin at 6:30 a.m. and are expected to conclude by 11:00 a.m.
“Behind Boo at the Zoo, the Zoo Run Run is our second largest fundraiser,” said Robyn Jakes, President of Friends of Columbian Park Zoo. “The funds we raise are vital to helping the Zoo continue to provide excellent medical care, equipment and staff to care for the beloved Zoo animals.”
The Zoo Run Run is a family-friendly run/walk to support the Friends of Columbian Park Zoo, a non-profit organization committed to raising funds to support the Columbian Park Zoo.
“Last year was our largest race yet at around 900 participants,” said Dana Rhodes, Assistant Zoo Director. “We are anticipating a large crowd again this year and are looking forward to putting on another great event for the Greater Lafayette community.”
The race begins at Columbian Park and travels around the park, through the historic Columbian Park Neighborhood and ends in front of the Zoo entrance. Intersections south of South Street and between Columbian Park and Earl Avenue will experience road closures between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Intersections will reopen as the final runner and chase vehicle pass. Residents are encouraged to remove their vehicles from the street.
“The course is flat and consists of long straights with smooth, wide turns,” said Steve Knecht, Friends of Columbian Park Zoo Board Member. “This is an excellent ‘starter’ 5K for new runners and a family-friendly course for families out for a walk.”
Online registration ends at 12:00 p.m. July 17th, but people can register in person from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Zoo’s front entrance on July 17th and on race day morning from 6:30 a.m. until 7:15 a.m. Pre-registration is $25 and day-of-race registration is $35. Participants will receive a race shirt, goodie bag and pancake breakfast provided by Bison Financial. Only those runners who have pre-registered before July 1 are guaranteed a shirt and bag.
The Zoo Run Run relies on hundreds of volunteers to help put on the event each year. There are many volunteer opportunities the day of the race, and also leading up to the race. Volunteers also receive the free pancake breakfast and an official Zoo Run Run volunteer t-shirt. To sign up to be a volunteer please visit the volunteer tab on the Zoo Run Run website at zoorunrun.com.
For more information, visit www.zoorunrun.com or call (765) 807-1545.
For more information about Friends of the Columbian Park Zoo memberships, please contact (765) 807-1540 or hhenry@lafayette.in.gov, ‘like’ our Facebook page for updates on zoo news and events, and follow us on Twitter. Check out the zoo website for a list of membership levels and benefits.
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Founded in 1908, Columbian Park Zoo is the second oldest zoo in Indiana. It is approximately 6 acres in size and is located in historic Columbian Park. The Zoo features several “immersion” exhibits and the animal collection consists of nearly 200 animals representing approximately 90 species.
Established in 1976, Friends of Columbian Park Zoo is a non-profit, membership organization that raises funds and advocates support for the Columbian Park Zoo. For more information, please call 765-807-1545 or visit www.columbianparkzoo.org.