CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
502-238-5331 (Media Cell 502-744-5639)
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

Registration Begins for the Wildest 5K in Town
Presented by Norton Audubon Hospital

Registration for the Zoo’s annual Throo the Zoo 5K will begin on August 15, 2021. The wildest 5K in town presented by Norton Audubon Hospital is set to occur at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 13, 2021 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 road events, the course takes participants “throo” the Zoo — past 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.

“Norton Audubon Hospital is excited to be part of Throo the Zoo again this year,” said Randy Hamilton, chief administrative officer at Norton Audubon Hospital. “Not only is the Zoo one of our neighbors in the Audubon community, but also a wonderful asset to our region. As a hospital organization, we value the great benefits of exercise and family fun the Zoo offers.”

Registration for this important Zoo fundraiser starts as low as $30 through September 30 and can be completed online at louisvillezoo.org/throo. Register early before prices increase on October 1 to $35 and again on November 7 to $40. Registration on the morning of the race at the Zoo is $50.

Drive-thru packet pick-up will take place in the parking lot at the Zoo on Thursday, November 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Friday, November 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Louisville Zoo will hold a virtual costume contest. 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 13, 2021. The Zoo will share the submissions for voting starting on Monday, November 15.

Racers unable to attend the November 13 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.

Throo the Zoo is presented by Norton Audubon Hospital with additional support by Jimmy John’s, Louisville Water, Pepsico, Service Systems Associates, 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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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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