Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle
When is Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle?
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle takes place on Saturday, October 17, 2026 in West Orange, NJ.
What distances does Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle offer?
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle offers 3 events: Penguin Waddle (13+ Years Old), Penguin Waddle (2-12 Years Old), Official Spectator Pass.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penguin Waddle (13+ Years Old) | 3.0 mi | $40.00 | Register |
| Penguin Waddle (2-12 Years Old) | 3.0 mi | $25.00 | Register |
| Official Spectator Pass | — | $10.00 | Register |
How much does Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle cost?
Registration for Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle starts at $10.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle held?
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle is held in West Orange, NJ at 9 Cherry Lane.
About 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.
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
📍 The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex – 9 Cherry Ln, West Orange, NJ 07052
📅 Saturday, October 18
⏰ 7:30 – 8:30 AM
Parking
The Penguin Waddle 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.