

38th Annual Zoo Run presented by H-E-B
The annual fundraising event was back and took participants on a wild jaunt through San Antonio Zoo where they took in the sights of animals while securing a future for wildlife. The Adult Race took place on Friday, September 08, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and the Kids Zoo Run took place on Saturday, September 09, 2023 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Adult Run
Friday, September 08, 2023
6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Walkers and runners of all levels registered online to sign up as a team of four (4) or as an individual. The run included a 4-mile or 8-mile relay. Each registration included your registration fee, access to the Runner’s Village on race day, two drink tickets on race day, runner’s bib, 2023 Zoo Run adult shirt, 2023 Zoo Run drawstring bag, and one (1) complimentary adult standard admission zoo ticket. The village featured live music, food, beverages, and games on the Great Lawn.
Kids Run
Saturday, September 09, 2023
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Kiddos ages 1-11 years old registered online. The run included a .25 mile race for ages 1-5 and .5 mile race for ages 6-11. Each registration included your registration fee, runner’s bib, 2023 Zoo Run child shirt, 2023 Zoo Run drawstring bag, and two (2) complimentary standard admission zoo tickets (1 adult/1 child). Zoo admission must be used on the day of the Kids Run on Saturday, September 09.
FAQ
Is this year’s Zoo Run Relay and Kids Run in-person?
Yes, we are excited to welcome back all of our amazing supporters and runners to our 38th Annual Zoo Run presented by H-E-B! Zoo Run Relay will be held on Friday, September 08 from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. and our Kids Run will be held on Saturday, September 09 from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. If you’re unable to join us in-person this year, you can still support by registering for our virtual option.
What time does the Zoo Run start?
The race starts promptly at 6:00 p.m. The zoo grounds will be open starting at 4:30 p.m.
What do I get with my registration?
With your registration you will receive an event drawstring bag, event t-shirt, race bib, one meal, and two (2) complimentary drink tickets which can be redeemed for domestic beer and soft drinks.
How will I receive my packet?
We will be offering two options for packet pickup where you can pick up your packet right at the steps of the zoo! Whether you register for our Zoo Run Relay, Kids Run, or Virtual Run, packet pickup will be held on Thursday, September 07. Please note, shirts and sizes will be guaranteed if registered by Thursday, August 24.
What running distance options are available?
With Zoo Run Relay, you have the option of participating in a four (4) person relay team and run a two-mile leg. We also have a four mile and an eight mile single runner option. All teams must consist of four (4) different runners. One (1) runner cannot run multiple legs.
Where can I park?
You are welcome to park in our Train Depot lot or in the parking garage. Please be aware that there is no overnight parking in either Train Depot lot or the parking garage.
Can my family come as spectators?
Yes! We invite your family and friends to come to the zoo and cheer you on. Please be aware that there is no seating available along the race route inside the zoo or in Brackenridge Park. Also note that all zoo exhibits will be closed; access will be limited to the race route and runner’s village only.
What items are not permitted at the zoo?
For the safety of our runners, guests, staff, and animals, there are some things that are prohibited at San Antonio Zoo including: Smoking/vaping, weapons of any kind, outside food or drink (water and Starbucks products are permitted), coolers or ice chests, bicycles, roller skates, skateboards.
San Antonio Zoo is family-friendly. Please visit our website at sazoo.org for a full list of prohibited items and dress code.
Is there food available for both runners and Spectators?
Runners for the Adult Run can receive food at Runner’s Village! Please be sure to have your race bib with you as it is your “meal ticket”.
Kid’s Run participants will be provided light snacks. There is no food available for spectators.
What food will be available? Are there any vegan/vegetarian options?
A limited number of vegetarian meals are available. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be provided. Thank you to our presenting sponsor H-E-B for providing meals for our runners!
Will alcohol or other drinks be available?
Yes. We will offer a full cash-bar to guests 21 and over. Please be sure to bring your ID if you plan on consuming alcoholic beverages.
Can I bike, skate, or scooter down the route?
For the safety of our runners and spectators, no bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or scooters are permitted on the race route.
Are wheelchairs permitted in the race?
Yes! We welcome participants of all abilities. Those in wheelchairs will be stationed near the rear of the race route for safety.
How long is the race?
Adult Zoo Run:
Individuals: 4 mile or 8 mile
Teams: 2 mile
Kid’s Run:
1-3 years: 0.25 mile race (Parents are welcome to run alongside their children age 1-3. Not eligible for awards if parent picks up and runs with them!)
4-5 years: 0.25 mile race
6-7 years: 0.5 mile race
8-9 years: 0.5 mile race
10-11 years: 0.5 mile race
Oops! I forgot to pick up my packet the day before. Where do I get my packet on race day?
No problem! Day-of packet pickup will take place at the Great Lawn.
Where do I go when I get there?
Please enter at the main entrance gate on N. St. Mary’s Street.
Can my running club bring a tent?
Due to limited space available and safety considerations, guests may not bring in tents.
Can I exit the Zoo to see my runner in the park?
Once you have been admitted onto zoo grounds, you may not exit and re-enter.
Can I get water on the route?
Yes! There are several water stations along the route to keep you hydrated.
What if I need help?
Volunteers will be available both inside zoo grounds and outside in Brackenridge Park and will be happy to assist you in any way you need! If there is a medical emergency, EMTs will be stationed along the route inside and outside the zoo.
Do I have to run the route?
You are welcome to walk, run, or jog the route. Please be courteous to our more competitive runners and be sure to leave room for passing.
How does a virtual Zoo Run work?
Unlike a traditional run, a virtual run can be completed at any time and any place! Complete your run outside in the neighborhood, nearby park, or even on a treadmill. Since you can complete this run at any time, you can go at your own pace! Recording times will be optional if you would like to share your results on social media.
How do I track my time/pace?
Our virtual run will be completed on the honor system. You will not be required to prove your participation or completion of the run, but pictures with family and even selfies as you run are highly encouraged!
Can I run from another state?
Of course! A great thing about going virtual is we can now share our event with anyone outside of our community.
After I complete my run, what’s next?
Share your pictures and your completion time on social media, upload videos of you running and tag us using #SAZooRun
How will I know if I won an award?
The Runner’s Village at the Great Lawn will broadcast each person’s run time. During the award ceremony, we will announce winners for each category.
Can a child of any age run if I purchase them a ticket?
For the safety of our runners and guests, we encourage children 11 and under to register for our Kid’s Zoo Run taking place on September 09, 2023.
Will I see any animals along my run?
The race route goes through our Birds of the World area where you will be able to see and hear birds from all over the world! The remainder of the race will be through Brackenridge Park where you may see native wildlife.
Where can I see the photos from the run?
Limited photos will be taken for social media purposes; you are welcome to follow us on Instagram @sanantoniozoo for event coverage! You may also have your spectators take photos for you. For the safety of everyone involved, selfie sticks are not permitted along the race route.
Will I be able to roam the zoo?
During the run, portions of the zoo not directly part of the race route will be barricaded for safety. Runners and spectators will be limited to the race route locations.
Is the route paved/even ground?
The route outside zoo grounds is primarily paved with sections going through dirt. Inside the zoo, racers will be on pavers. Both pavers and dirt sections may have areas that are uneven. All runners are encouraged to wear appropriate shoes and exercise caution while running.
Can I change my race category day of the race?
Once the race starts, you may not change your race category. You may visit the packet-pickup location at the Great Lawn for information on changing your category prior to the start of the race. The cutoff time for this is 5:00 p.m.
Can I replace a member of my team if they cannot make it to the race?
We know emergencies can happen! If a team member needs to be swapped out with someone else, you may go to the Great Lawn and speak to the race coordinator before 5:00 p.m.
Can I bring my own water bottles?
We encourage you to think sustainably and bring a reusable water bottle! Water refill stations will be available along the race route. Ice chests/coolers are not permitted on zoo grounds.
Are there restrooms along the route?
There are restrooms available inside the zoo at the Beastro restaurant.
Why should I register?
For over 38 years, runners have come out to support San Antonio Zoo and our conservation efforts with one of our longest running fundraisers, Zoo Run Relay. This year will be even bigger and better than ever! Each registration goes to supporting the zoo’s mission and vision of securing a future for wildlife.
Can I bring my pet to run with me?
While we love all furry friends, for the health and safety of our resident animals, we do not allow pets inside San Antonio Zoo.
MAKE YOUR ZOO VISIT AN ADVENTURE.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS
Starting at $36 per person
There's always something new to see at the zoo. Each year is packed with events and exciting additions.
PROJECT SELVA 4D THEATER
Tickets for just $5!
The action spills out of the screen over the audience with thrill-enhancing sensory special effects— bubbles, snow, scent, FX lighting, water mist, seat vibrations, and wind.