HENRY VILAS ZOO - RUN WILD 2025

Lace up your running shoes for the HENRY VILAS ZOO - RUN WILD 2025, an unforgettable day of fitness, community, and vital conservation efforts in Madison, WI, on September 27, 2026. This annual event, a major fundraiser for the Henry Vilas Zoo, directly supports African wildlife rangers at the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, helping to protect critically endangered species and their habitats. Choose your challenge from a 10K run, a 5K run/walk, or the spirited 1-mile Kids Fun Run, ensuring an engaging experience for all ages and abilities. Typical race day conditions in late September offer pleasant running weather, with historical highs around 68F and lows near 48F, and only a 14% chance of precipitation, creating an ideal environment for your wild adventure.

The Run Wild courses offer a dynamic tour of Madison's natural beauty. The 10K distance guides runners through the picturesque UW Arboretum, showcasing stunning scenery and a varied landscape. For 5K participants, the route winds through the charming Vilas neighborhood, leading you on a journey that includes local streets and paths. Both the 5K and 10K races kick off just outside the Zoo's South gate on Vilas Park Drive, while the Kids Fun Run starts near the North gate, circling Vilas Park. Runners can anticipate a course that is "sometimes hilly," including an initial challenging ascent on the 5K route, with generally manageable terrain thereafter. The finish line for all distances is a rewarding entry right inside the Zoo's south entrance, promising a unique and memorable conclusion to your race.

Throughout your run, dedicated cheerleaders and zoo staff will be stationed along the route, providing guidance and support, with water stops available to keep you hydrated. Every participant receives a commemorative Run Wild t-shirt, and younger "wildlife warriors" in the Kids Fun Run will proudly earn a finisher medal. Packet pickup is conveniently available at the Zoo's Guest Services building in the days leading up to the race. Join fellow runners in this inspiring event, where every stride you take contributes to a greater cause: safeguarding wildlife for future generations.