Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle

Join the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and Fleet Feet Montclair for a wild morning of miles and fun!

📅 Saturday, October 18
⏰ 8:30 AM
📍 Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

Get ready to waddle, run, or walk your way through a 3-mile course (or take the 1.3-mile Safari Shortcut) before crossing the finish line inside the Zoo for a one-of-a-kind celebration!

🎟️ Post-run Essex County Turtle Back Zoo admission is included with registration. Stick around after the run to explore and say hello to the animals.
🎁 The first 300 participants to register will receive custom pom-pom beanie (a $35 value)

This event is perfect for the whole family—whether you sprint like a cheetah, stroll like a tortoise, or waddle like a penguin, everyone’s invited to join the fun.

👟 Costumes, animal spirit, and family smiles are highly encouraged!

ZOO MEMBERS

SPECTATING: Zoo members do not need to purchase a spectator pass to enter the Zoo early. Simply show proof of your valid Essex County Turtle Back Zoo membership at packet pick-up (either on Friday or event morning) for early admission.

PARTICIPANTS: Already registered or planning to sign up? Reach out to Maddie at maddie@fleetfeetmontclair.com with valid proof of Essex County Zoo Membership, and the Zoo admission portion of your registration fee will be waived or refunded.

PACKET PICK-UP

Early Pick-Up (Recommended!)
 📍 Fleet Feet Montclair – 603 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043
 📅 Friday, October 17
 ⏰ 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Event Day Pick-Up
 📍 Location TBA
 📅 Saturday, October 18
 ⏰ 7:30 – 8:30 AM

SPECTATORS:

Want to cheer on your family and friends at the finish line inside the Zoo?

Spectators will need an Official Spectator Pass to enter the Zoo early before it opens to the public. We’re offering a special discounted $10 rate (normally $22) so you can join the finish line celebration and explore the Zoo afterward.

Day of spectator passes will be available for purchase at the start and zoo entrance.

PARKING:

This is a point to point run. Meaning the start and finish area are in two different places. The start is near The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex and the Finish is in the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. 

Parking closest to the start is across Cherry Lane at the Oakdale Parking Lot in the South Mountain Reservation. There are additional parking lots and garages throughout the South Mountain Recreation Complex.

This is not an official race. There is no event timing. Details are subject to change.

Join fellow runners on October 17, 2026 for the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle. It's a fantastic 4.8K, Official Spectator Pass featuring a flat and fast course in West Orange.