22nd Annual Throo the Zoo

CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331  |  Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

Norton Audubon Hospital and McDonald’s® Restaurants of Kentuckiana present wildest 5K in town

Walkers and runners will want to lace up for the wildest 5K in town Saturday, May 9 at 8 a.m.  Participants will get to see the Zoo wake up at the 22nd annual Throo the Zoo 5K  Run/Walk, presented by Norton Audubon Hospital and McDonald’s®  Restaurants of Kentuckiana and produced by Jam Active. Proceeds benefit the Louisville Zoo, which is dedicated to its mission of bettering the bond between people and our planet.

One of Louisville’s most distinctive road events, the course takes participants “throo” the Zoo — past many of your favorite animals and exhibits. The route Start and Finish are just outside the Zoo gate, but along the way you’ll be able to wave to the polar bears, roar with the tigers and stretch your stride with the giraffes. Participants have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the course. The finish line area will officially close at 9:30 a.m.  Illinois Ave. will be closed from Grenade to Trevilian from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and Illinois Ave. from Taylor Ave. to Grenade Ave. from 7:45 – 8:30 a.m.

Strollers are welcome, as well as walkers and runners alike. However, no roller blades/skates, bicycles or pets are allowed.

Let your imagination run wild and dress in your favorite animal costume! Runners with the most creative costume in five categories (adult male and female age 18 and over, male and female youth age 17 or younger, and group) will receive a prize package courtesy of McDonald’s® Restaurants of Kentuckiana and the Zoo. Along with costume awards, we’ll have numerous door prizes to give out to our participants. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the Zoo will hand out overall and age-group awards for top finishers in the area next to the Finish.

Registration is required and forms can be completed online at louisvillezoo.org/run.

Registration fees are:

  • $35 – through May 3
  • $40 – May 4 – 7
  • $45 – May 8 and on race day from 7 to 7:45 a.m. in the Zoo’s bus parking lot.

With your registration fee, you get a commemorative T-shirt, post-race refreshments, entry to win door prizes and FREE Zoo admission on race day with your race bib.  Children in strollers are free to participate in the race (excluding T-shirt, post-race refreshments, door prizes and Zoo admission if ages 3 or older). All participants will also be professionally timed through an electronic timing chip attached to your race bib.

Runners can also purchase discounted Zoo admission tickets valid for anyone age 3 and older for only $14 per ticket.

A Pre-Race Party will be held at Fleet Feet Sports (2239 Taylorsville Rd) on Thursday, May 7, from 5 – 7 p.m. including some of the Zoo’s outreach animals, music and more. Pick up your race packet, T-shirt, and enjoy some great store savings.

In addition to Thursday’s Pre-Race Party, there will be two other opportunities to pick up your race packet:

  • Friday, May 8: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    Fleet Feet Sports
    2239 Taylorsville Road
    Louisville, KY 40205
  • Saturday, May 9: 6:30 – 7:30 a.m.
    Louisville Zoo (next to Start line)
    1100 Trevilian Way
    Louisville, KY 40213

Parking for the race will be free at the Zoo. It is recommended that you arrive before 7:30 a.m. Parking will close early pre-race to allow time to make sure the course is safe for participants.

Throo the Zoo is presented by Norton Audubon Hospital and McDonald’s®  Restaurants of Kentuckiana with additional support by Pepsi, Outfront Media, State Farm, Heine Brothers, Whole Foods, USA Image, Fleet Feet Sports, Del Monte, Sun Tan City, Planet Fitness, Trader Joe’s and Home Fit.

ROAD CLOSURES: Illinois Ave. will be closed from Grenade Ave. to Trevilian from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and Illinois Ave. from Taylor Ave. to Grenade Ave. from 7:45–8:30 a.m.

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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