Run Wild Races XII: Run for Tortoises Spring 2026 @ Metro Richmond Zoo
About the Event
Get ready to test your speed — and your patience — in this season’s Run Wild Race! Inspired by the timeless tale of The Tortoise and the Hare, this event raises awareness and funds for an endangered tortoise species in the wild.
Just like in the story, it’s not only about who’s fastest — it’s about staying steady, determined, and doing your part for wildlife conservation. Whether you sprint like the hare or pace yourself like the tortoise, every step helps protect these slow and steady survivors.
Join us at the Metro Richmond Zoo for a day of adventure, wildlife, and family fun — all while supporting the preservation of the endangered tortoises in their natural habitat.
Join fellow runners on May 2, 2026 for the Run Wild Races XII: Run for Tortoises Spring 2026 @ Metro Richmond Zoo. It's a fantastic 1.6K, 5K, 3.2K featuring a flat and fast course in Moseley.
Races Offered
Running
Mini 1 Mile
This 1 mile run is designed for children ages 2 - 11. But runners of all ages are welcome with a participating child. The majority of this course goes through the pathways of the zoo and includes a few all-terrain sections (gravel 5%, grass 20%, dirt 5%, pavement 70%). Parents can run with their children, but will also require a ticket. Children 1 and under do not need a ticket. Strollers are permitted but must be able to handle all-terrain. *All Mini participants ages 2 and older need a ticket (including chaperones). *Children ages 2-7 must have a participating parent or chaperone.(Parents may also designate a responsible older sibling or friend to be the chaperone for these kids.) *Participants receive a free ticket to visit the zoo on race day. *Many animals will not be out on exhibit during the run for their safety. These animals will be available to see after the Zoo opens for the day. *This race is timed.
5k
This all-terrain 5k starts through the inside of the zoo then spans the perimeter of the Zoo including off-site facilities such as the Cheetah Conservation Center. Portions of the course route travel in between the two perimeter fences that surround the entire Zoo. The all-terrain course consists of mostly dirt, mulch, and grass trails with some gravel and asphalt pathways. The trail has winding turns, some rolling hills, bridges over many creeks, beautiful views, a few steep hills, and sights of exotic wildlife. *All 5k participants ages 5 and older need a ticket (including chaperones). *Children ages 5-10 must have a participating parent or chaperone.(Parents may also designate a responsible older sibling or friend to be the chaperone for these kids.) *Participants receive a free ticket to visit the zoo on race day. *This 5k race is timed.
Virtual 5k
Virtual Run Wild 5k for endangered animals can be completed in the place of your choosing at the time of your choosing from April 26 - May 2nd. Medals, shirts, and swag will be shipped on the Monday before the race.
Obstacle race
Wild Ninja
This approx. 2 mile obstacle course is not for the faint of heart. Participants face up to 42 challenging obstacles dispersed throughout the all-terrain run. Each ninja obstacle is similar to those seen on the hit television series American Ninja Warrior. The ninja and OCR obstacles represent challenges that endangered species encounter in the wild for the survival of their species. This is not a race; your goal is to conquer the most obstacles to “escape extinction”. Contestants receive points for completing each obstacle that will test their balance, strength, stamina, and mental perseverance. Points accumulated measure the contestants “survival success” according to the IUCN redlist nine categories; Not Evaluated, Data Deficient, Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, and Least Concern." Lets Go! It's time to get "evaluated," gather your friends and prepare to represent your "species" to prove that you won't go extinct! Contestants who complete all obstacles successfully will earn the title "unlikely to become extinct in the near future" and receive entry into their next Wild Ninja free. "The IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria are intended to be an easily and widely understood system for classifying species at high risk of global extinction Run Wild Ninja is for anyone 8 years and older. (8-14 year old's need an adult to compete with them or to have a Ninja Full Access Spectator ticket to walk the full course with them)Younger children should have previous obstacle experience before attempting Ninja. Obstacle course race through OCR obstacles and Ninja Warrior styled Obstacles! Up to 42 obstacles! Not a timed Race - Race measured on obstacles completed. *Participants get a free ticket to visit the zoo on race day.
Walking
Ninja Full Access Spectator
This is a ticket is for those who want to travel with & spectate their wild ninjas for the entire 2 mile course. They will see all 10 animal challenges. (Animal Challenges 8-10 do not require a spectator pass to spectate) This ticket is great for those who need to accompany their children age 8-14 years old but do not want to participate on the obstacles. *Ninja Spectator's receive a free ticket to visit the zoo on race day. *Ninja Spectators may add a shirt for a $15 fee.
About Moseley
Run Wild Races XII: Run for Tortoises Spring 2026 @ Metro Richmond Zoo takes place in Moseley, Virginia, United States. The local timezone is America/New_York.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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