Throo the Zoo 5K

Dash on over to the Zoo to take part in Louisville’s only road race that doesn’t just go around the Zoo but actually “Throo” the Zoo. Enjoy an early morning adventure where you watch as the Zoo wakes up! Join us on May 9th at 8:00 am for one amazing Louisville Zoo experience.

Packet pick-up will take place on Friday, May 8th from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm in the bus lot at the Louisville Zoo (1100 Trevilian Way, 40213). If you are unable to pick up your packet or have a friend/family member pick it up for you on Friday, we will have a limited packet pick-up on race morning from 6:45 am until 7:45 am. Please plan to arrive early enough to get your bib and get to the start line on time.

To ensure that the race is safe and enjoyable for all participants, we do have a few guidelines we ask that all participants abide by:

• No pets
• No bicycles
• No skates
• Strollers ARE welcome

Race Venue

1. Where will be the race be held?  The Louisville Zoo at 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213.
2. What time does the race start?  The 5K race start times begin at 8:00 am, with waves starting every 10 minutes.
3. Which wave should I sign up for? We will have three waves this year: 8:00 am for competitive runners looking to win an age group or overall award; 8:10 am looking to jog or walk at a faster pace; 8:20 am for families with strollers or those looking to walk leisurely. If you believe you will need the most amount of time possible to complete the 5K, we do recommend signing up for wave 1 and starting at the back of the wave. This will ensure you have ample time to complete the 5K before the Zoo opens at 10:00 am.
4. What time should I arrive?  Please arrive at least 45 minutes before the race start time.
5. Where will I park?  Parking for the race will be free at the Zoo. Parking will close early pre-race to allow time to ensure the course is safe for participants.
6. Where is the Start Line? Illinois Ave; directly adjacent to the Zoo’s main parking lot.

Race Registration

1. Can I register on race day?  Yes, you can register online up until 7:30 am on race morning, click here to register.
2. What do I get for my registration fee? The race fee includes a commemorative t-shirt, finishers medal, post-race refreshments, entry to win door prizes and a FREE ticket to visit the Zoo again at a much slower pace. 
3. Is there a benefiting charity? Yes, all proceeds from race registrations help the Louisville Zoo continue to fulfill its mission to “Better the Bond Between People and Our Planet” by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in conservation education. Additional donations will benefit additional programs at the Zoo.
4. Can I get a refund of my registration fee? Sorry, registration fees are for the benefit of the charity and are non-refundable.

Race Participation

1. Will there be a pre-race packet pickup session? Yes – Packet Pickup will be 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Louisville Zoo (1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville KY 40213). We highly recommend all participants show up on Friday to pick up your packet, as Saturday morning will have long lines.
2. When can I get my race shirt and race number on race day?  Packet pickup will begin at 7:00 am at the race site on race day. Please arrive early to ensure you have enough time to get your race number.
3. Is the course totally on hard surfaces?  Yes. The course is a loop design on the asphalt and concrete surfaces in and around the Zoo property.
4. Is the course suitable for strollers?  Yes. Strollers are welcome but for their safety, children must remain in the stroller while on the course. Please start in the back of the race pack. There is no charge for children in strollers for the race however, they do not receive the benefits of paid participants (shirt, race medal, Zoo ticket for return visit, etc)
5. Can I walk the race?  Yes! Walkers are welcome, but please start towards the back of your wave start and in one of the later waves.
6. Can I bring my dog or other pet?  Sorry, but dogs or other pets are not allowed in the race.
7. Are there other race restrictions? Yes, no bikes or skates please.

Race Timing/Awards/Results

1. Will the race be timed?  Yes! The race will be professionally timed using a timing chip on the back of your race bib. Because of this, please wear your bib on the front of your shirt, with the number visible (cameras will be at the finish line to ensure all times are recorded, and cameras are only for timing purposes. If there are any issues with your timing chip, the timers will need to look for your race number on the camera).
2. Will awards be presented after the race?  Yes! Awards for the top 3 male, female, and non-binary overall finishers and the top 3 male, female, and non-binary in age groups will be mailed after the race. Overall awards will be based on "gun time" and age group awards will be based on "chip time." The top overall runners will receive a custom award after the race on site.
3. Can I find my finish time online?  Yes! Please click here to view the race results.

Thank you for participating in the 2024 Throo The Zoo 5K!

Check out our official race results here!

Some of our race day photos are ready! You can view them here.

We'll send an update when more photos have been posted to the race site!

Your registration fee includes a one-of-a-kind race experience, a commemorative t-shirt, unique finishers medal, post-race refreshments, entry to win door prizes, and a FREE ticket to come back and visit the Zoo at a more leisurely pace! Register today before the price goes up! 

Through August 17: $30
August 18 – October 19: $35
October 20 – November 8 $40
November 9 – Race Start: $50

* Children in strollers are free, but do not receive a t-shirt, race bib, commemorative finishers medal, or free ticket for a return visit.

All in-person recipients will receive a cotton T-shirt, and in the registration process you will have the opportunity to upgrade to a tech T-shirt. Virtual race participants will have the opportunity to purchase either option in the registration process. 

All finishers, virtual, and in-person, will receive a themed finisher medal to celebrate their racing success! 

MORE THAN TWO TONS OF FUN: 

Join us for our 2024 Throo the Zoo Costume Contest sponsored by Swags Sport Shoes. Let your imagination run wild and dress in your favorite animal costume! Runners with the most creative costume will receive a prize pack from our generous sponsors.  It's easy to participate:

• Dress in costume for the run.
• Take a photo at the race and comment with your photo on our Facebook post asking for submissions with #ThrooTheZoo
• Make sure your runner number is visible in your photo or include a photo of it with your entry. 
• Winners will be notified on Wednesday, November 13.

Extended rules and guidelines at 2024 Zoo Costume Contest