Throo the Zoo 5K

Join us for the WILDEST 5K in town!

$30

Registration Opens January 1, 2026 at 12:00am EST

$25

Registration Opens January 1, 2026 at 12:00am EST

Throo the Zoo

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.

Registration Information

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 January 9: $30
January 10 – February 28: $35
March 1 – March 31: $40
April 1 – May 8: $45
May 9 – Race Start: $55

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

Check out our 2026 Race Swag!

All races recieve a free cotton t-shirt. Upgrade to a tech, performace shirt for a small fee.

Swags Costume Contest

Join us for the 2026 Throo the Zoo Costume Contest sponsored by Swags Sports 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.

The winners will be featured on our website and social media, plus receive a prize package.

The rules are simple: take a photo of your costume during or after this year’s run on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Then, comment your photo and runner number(s) on the Zoo’s Facebook post calling for submissions. Participants will be entered into a contest for a chance to win a prize package. Click the button below to learn more!

Costume Contest FAQs