FAQs

Registering for Run Wild

How much is entry?  

Race entry is £35. This applies to both the 1 mile and 5km races. ZSL Members, Patrons and Fellows will receive a discount code to register via email on 24 March. Every entry includes admission to the zoo on the day of the run. Each runner will receive a code to purchase up to four spectator tickets for a discount of 25%.

What distances are available?
There are two fun run route options: a 1 mile and a 5km. The 1 mile route takes place entirely within the grounds of London Zoo. The 5km starts and finishes inside the zoo and includes a section through Regent’s Park before returning to the zoo.

What age do participants need to be?
The 1 mile is suitable for children aged 4-15 and accompanying parents or guardians. All participants will need to register for the event. The 5km is open to participants aged 11 and over. Children under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult, either as a race spectator or participant. Unaccompanied minors will be refused entry.

Can under 18s sign up themselves for the race?   

They can but they need a parent or guardian to fill in the waiver on the registration form.   

I use a wheelchair and have some access requirements. Could you share how the activity accommodates this?

You are welcome to take part in your wheelchair. Please note in some areas, the path may be uneven and the slopes leading to the two tunnels in the Zoo are steep, which forms part of both the 1 mile and 5km route. If you’d like more information about accessibility at London Zoo or to view our access guide, please visit our accessibility webpage.

Can I run with a running buggy?

Yes, you can take part in the race with a suitable running buggy. Please note in some areas, the path may be uneven and the slopes leading to the two tunnels in the Zoo are steep, which forms part of both the 1 mile and 5km route.

Will the runs be timed?
Both distances are fun runs designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for all abilities. The 5km will have an official timing system in place. The 1 mile will not be formally timed.

Is there a cut-off time?
Yes. For operational and animal welfare reasons, all participants must complete their route before 10.30am, but runners of all ability should have plenty of time to complete the route. Full details will be shared in your pre-event information email.

Can I get a refund for my registration fee?

Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If the event is postponed or cancelled for reasons beyond our control, such as adverse weather or safety concerns, we will explore all reasonable options to reschedule. However, this cannot be guaranteed. The cost of your registration fee supports ZSL’s Conservation Zoos and work to protect wildlife around the world.

Why is there an admin fee?
The admin fee helps cover registration and platform costs, allowing as much of the money raised as possible to go directly towards supporting ZSL’s conservation work. We appreciate your understanding and your support.

How do I unsubscribe from emails?
You can unsubscribe from general marketing emails at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of our messages. However, if you are registered for the event, we will still need to contact you via email with important information relating to the run.

Information for on the day

What time does the event start?
The 1 mile is scheduled to start at 8.30am and the 5km is scheduled to start at 9am. The event hub will be open from 7.30am. The exact start times are subject to change and will be confirmed nearer the event. We recommend arriving 45–60 minutes before your start time to allow time for registration and making your way to the start line.

Will I see animals during the run?
Some animals may be visible during the event, however many may still be in their indoor areas at this time. The event is carefully planned to minimise disruption to the animals. Your event entry includes access to London Zoo for the rest of the day, so you’ll be able to explore the zoo and see the animals after your run.

Can I wear fancy dress?
To protect animal welfare, animal costumes are not permitted as these may cause distress to the animals. Small accessories will be allowed such as animal ear headbands and tails. We will be offering face painting in the event hub, so please do come and find us before your run if you’d like to get involved.

Can I bring my dog?
No dogs or other animals are permitted on site at London Zoo, with the exception of assistance animals under specific conditions. Assistance dogs cannot take part in the race. Please see more details about assistance dogs at London Zoo in our terms and conditions.

Can spectators enter the zoo?

Each registered participant may purchase discounted zoo entry (25% off standard admission) for a maximum of four spectators. The discount code will be emailed to all runners before the event. Please purchase spectator tickets online in advance using the discount code provided. All spectators must stay within designated areas of the zoo before the zoo opens to the public at 10am. Spectators will be able to remain within the zoo for the rest of the day. Spectators can also watch the 5km race from Regent’s Park but please note, spectators cannot exit and re-enter the zoo.

Is there parking?

Limited parking is available in the London Zoo car park at a cost of £16, payable on the day. The car park is operated on a first-come, first-served basis and does not offer advance booking or reservations. As spaces are limited and roads around the zoo can become busy, we strongly encourage participants to use public transport where possible. For more information on getting to London Zoo, please see here.

Will there be changing or baggage facilities?

Yes, there will be a small bag drop area for participants. Please note all items are left at the owner’s own risk and ZSL cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage. There are no changing facilities so please come ready to race! Baby changing facilities are available in the accessible toilets. 

What should I bring on the day?
Your bib will be sent to you before the event, so please remember to bring it with you. If you experience any issues, please contact us using our contact form in advance or visit the registration desk on the day where spare bibs will be available. We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle. You can fill up your water bottle before and after the run in the event hub.

Is there an emergency contact number? 

The emergency number for the event will be shared with participants ahead of the day. Please only contact this number for emergencies, not general enquiries.  

Can I go straight into the zoo after I’ve finished the run?

After completing your run, you’re welcome to enjoy the event hub within the zoo, where there will be food and drink options available. You won’t be able to explore the wider zoo until it opens to the public at 10am, but there will be designated animal areas open early. Look out for more details in the pre-event communications. You can stay in the zoo for the full day, but you won’t be able to re-enter after you exit. The zoo will close at 5pm.

Are there bag checks in place?
We always want to make sure that London Zoo is a safe and secure place. In line with increased security measures being implemented across the UK, we will be carrying out bag checks at the Zoo entrance. We would recommend, wherever possible, you leave large bags at home. 

Will water be provided?
Water refill stations will be available in the event hub. In line with our sustainability commitments, we encourage participants to bring a reusable water bottle.

Will photographs be taken?
Yes, official photographers may be present. By taking part, you may be photographed or filmed. If you do not wish to appear in photographs, please inform a member of the Events Team or our photographers on the day.

Will I receive a medal?
Yes, all participants will receive a medal after completing their run. This includes both the 1 mile and 5km routes, so everyone can celebrate their achievement on the day.

All about fundraising

How can I raise money?
Once you register, you’ll receive a personalised fundraising page on Enthuse. You can customise your page with your reason for taking part, share training updates and invite friends and family to support you. Watching your donations grow can be a great motivator in the lead-up to the big day.

What is the purpose of the fundraising?

Funds raised support ZSL (The Zoological Society of London) – a science-driven conservation charity (a registered charity in England and Wales with charity number 208728) working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. We’re a powerful movement of conservationists, working together to save animals on the brink of extinction and those who could be next.  We protect species, restore habitats, train the next generation of conservationists and find ways for everyone – from pre-schoolers to politicians – to create change for nature. Through our conservation zoos, we bring people closer to wildlife, allowing them to connect with animals in new ways. Nature can recover, but right now it needs all our support.

Do I have to fundraise?
There is no minimum fundraising target. Your registration fee helps cover the cost of delivering the event, but fundraising on top of this is what truly makes a difference. By raising funds, you will be supporting ZSL’s Conservation Zoos and global conservation work – protecting endangered species, restoring habitats and helping wildlife thrive in the UK and around the world. We encourage you to raise as much as you can and suggest working towards a £150 fundraising target.

Is there a fundraising incentive?
Yes. Anyone who raises £80 or more will receive a ZSL cuddly tiger toy as a thank you for their support. Cuddly toys will be available to collect on the day of the event. If you reach £80 before or on the day, please bring proof of your fundraising total. You must collect your cuddly toy before the event village closes at 11am.

Anyone who raises £200 or more will also be eligible to enter a prize draw to win a year's ZSL family membership (for up to two adults and four children). Teams taking part must nominate one team member to enter the prize draw per £200 raised. More details will be shared with participants via email.

Can I take part to raise money for another charity?
This event has been created to raise vital funds for ZSL’s conservation work in our Zoos and around the world. We hope you’ll join us in supporting wildlife. If you’re looking to fundraise for a different cause, there are many other running events available where you can do so.

Why are you using Enthuse?
Enthuse is a trusted registration and fundraising platform used by many major charity events. It enables us to manage event registrations and communications efficiently, while giving you a ready-made fundraising page to personalise and share. It keeps everything in one place, making the process straightforward and secure for everyone involved.