Contact:  Kyle Shepherd
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
(O) 502-238-5331 (C) 502-744-5639   

Presented by Norton Audubon Hospital

Registration for the Zoo’s annual Throo the Zoo 5K is now open. The wildest 5K in town presented by Norton Audubon Hospital takes off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at the Louisville Zoo. Race 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 run/walk events, the course takes participants “throo” the Zoo —alongside some of their favorite animals and exhibits. The start and finish lines are just outside the Zoo gate, but along the way, participants will be able to see animal ambassadors like bears, giraffes and sloths. The chip-timed course is open to runners and walkers at all fitness levels, including guests with strollers.

“Throo the Zoo is a great event that Norton Audubon Hospital is excited to be a part of each year,” said Randy Hamilton, chief administrative officer at Norton Audubon Hospital. “The Louisville Zoo offers exercise, education and entertainment for the whole family, we value the many great benefits it offers to our community.”

Registration for this important Zoo fundraiser starts at $30 now through September 29 and can be completed online at louisvillezoo.org/throo. Register early before prices increase on September 30 to $35 and again on November 6 to $40. Registration on the morning of the race at the Zoo is $50.

Packet pick up will take place in the bus parking lot at the Zoo on Friday, November 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In conjunction with Throo the Zoo, the Zoo will hold a costume contest sponsored by Swag’s Sport Shoes. Race participants will be invited to take photos of themselves in costume at the race and share it on the Zoo’s Facebook post (Facebook.com/LouisvilleZoo) on the day of the race, November 12, 2022. The Zoo will share the submissions for voting starting on Monday, November 14.

Racers unable to attend the November 12 event, or who prefer to get their miles in at home, can register for the Zoo’s Throo the Zoo Virtual 5K race. The virtual race option allows guests an opportunity to complete the 5K distance on their own at a date, time and course of their choosing. Participants will be mailed a finisher medal and Zoo ticket for a future visit, allowing them to be part of the fun, no matter where they race. Pricing for the Virtual Throo the Zoo 5K begins at $25 with an increase to $30 on September 30.

Throo the Zoo is presented by Norton Audubon Hospital with additional support by Costco, Outfront Media, Swag’s Sport Shoes and Total Body Chiropractic.

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

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About the Louisville Zoo

Since 2011, under Mayor Fischer’s administration, the Louisville Zoo celebrated its 50th anniversary, opened nine new exhibits and attractions, and won national awards for Glacier Run and School at the Zoo. Considered Kentucky’s most popular not-for-profit paid attraction, the Zoo welcomed nearly 9 million guests in the last decade. In 2021, the Zoo was voted “Best Place to Take Kids in Summer,” by LEO Weekly, “Best Kid-Friendly Attraction” by Kentucky Living Magazine and Boo at the Zoo presented by Meijer made the Top 10 Halloween Festivals list by thetravel.com. Community Access Memberships, deep-discount days, the Future Healers Got Zoo Buddies partnership and the accessible playground are among prime efforts to make Louisville Zoo even safer, more engaging, and more inclusive. Among the Louisville Zoo’s most successful conservation programs, the black-footed ferret breeding effort produced 1,100 kits and repatriated more than 800 of these most highly endangered, American mammals to the wild.

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 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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