Hippity Hop 5K

Clean off those bunny ears and running shoes and get ready for the 2026 Hippity Hop 5K!  This year we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary of the 5K on April 4, 2026!!! Potter Park Zoo will once again serve as the host for the event. We hope you can join us for a day of fun including the 5K run/walk, Easter Egg Hunt, children's activities, and you-know-who...THE EASTER BUNNY!  All registered participants get same-day FREE entry into the zoo!!  The 5K run/walk will start and finish near the entrance of the zoo and will go along the scenic Lansing River Trail.   All proceeds go to youth and families in Ingham County. The Child Benefit Fund has been assisting at-risk families in Ingham County for over 40 years, providing funding for clothing, sports fees and equipment, emergency needs, extra-curricular activities, and holiday gifts for approximately 250-300 children per year.  Make sure to register ahead of time, as registration will close at midnight on April 3, 2026, and WE WILL NOT BE TAKING ANY RACE DAY REGISTRATIONS!

5K Run/Walk: The 5K is chip-timed on a beautiful, scenic, and accurate course along the Lansing River Trail.  All participants will receive a t-shirt and finisher's medal.  The race will have an open start time from 11:00 AM until 11:15 AM for convenience.  If you are looking for a more competitive race, please be at the start line at 10:55 AM.  Otherwise, you can start the race at your leisure. The entire course is paved, so it is stroller friendly.  

Virtual Option: Can't join us in person? We are also offering a VIRTUAL option.  Run or walk with us from anywhere, anytime on April 4. We will ship the t-shirts and medals directly to you!

Easter Egg Hunt: We are happy to have an Easter Egg Hunt again for this year's event!  All children under 12 will need to register and will receive a bag, t-shirt, and a guaranteed minimum number of eggs from the egg course. The Easter Egg Hunt begins at 10:30 AM and will be at the Tiger Den Pavilion. 

Family pricing: Have other friends or family wishing to participate? Register with 3 or more people and receive a discount of $3 per registrant.  

T-shirt: Unisex and kid sizes available.  

Overall Awards: Overall, Master (over 40), and Grand Master (over 50) male and female will receive an award

Medals: Every participant in the 5K will get a finisher's medal, as well as awards for the top 2 in each age group!  Age groups are 7 & under, 8-11, 12-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70-74, and 75+.  Please note that awards will only be given to attendees of the in-person event.  

Packet Pickup: Packets can be picked up on Friday April 3, 2026 at the Tiger Den pavilion at the Potter Park Zoo from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM, or as early as 8:30 AM the day of the event.  

The race will be professionally timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. Results will be live during the race and posted on this website.

Are strollers allowed?  Absolutely.  The entire course is paved and stroller accessible. 

Are dogs allowed? Yes! Feel free to bring your furry friends for the 5K!

What if it rains the day of the race?  Barring severe weather warnings, the event will go as planned rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather!

When is Packet Pickup? Packet pickup is April 18, 2025 from 2:00 - 7:00 PM at the Tiger Den pavilion at the zoo.  Race day packet pickup begins at 8:30 AM on April 20, 2024.There is no race day registration.

How does the free zoo entrance work?  All registered participants can get into the zoo ONLY ON RACE DAY for free by just showing their race bib.  If you do not have a race bib, you will not be granted a free entrance.  

1st  and 2nd place in each age group will receive a medal and a prize!  Also, all registered participants will receive a finishers medal! 

Pictured is the 2025 participant medal.

Race t-shirt for all participants! Register by March 27, 2026 to guarantee your t-shirt. 

Map My Run link to course map.