Everyone’s invited to join this 1-mile fun run through the Zoo — a perfect adventure for families, friends, and runners of all ages! While anyone can participate, kids 2-17 will compete for the Mini 1-Mile awards and bragging rights.

The course winds through the Zoo’s scenic pathways with a mix of 90% pavement, 5% gravel, and 5% dirt—ideal for young runners, families, and all-terrain strollers. (Children 1 and under do not need a ticket.)

Participant Info:

All Mini participants ages 2 and older need a ticket (including chaperones).
Children ages 2–7 must have a participating parent or designated chaperone. (Parents may assign a responsible older sibling or friend.)
Awards are given only to participants 17 and under.
For animal safety, some exhibits will be closed during the run, but you can visit all of them after the Zoo opens for the day!

Experience a one-of-a-kind all-terrain 5K that begins inside the Zoo and winds around its perimeter—including exclusive access through the Cheetah Conservation Center and areas between the Zoo’s double security fences.

After nearly a mile of paved pathways, the course transitions into a mix of dirt, mulch, grass, and gravel trails featuring winding turns, rolling hills, scenic bridges, and up-close views of exotic wildlife. Expect stunning sights, a few steep climbs, and an unforgettable run through nature.

Participant Info:

All 5K participants ages 5 and up require a ticket (including chaperones).
Children ages 5–10 must be accompanied by a participating parent or designated chaperone. (Parents may assign a responsible older sibling or friend.)

An epic 2-mile adventure packed with up to 42 obstacles inspired by American Ninja Warrior and real-life animal survival challenges. Each obstacle tests your balance, strength, stamina, and grip — as you compete to “escape extinction”!

Earn points for every obstacle conquered and see where you rank on the IUCN Red List of Survival — from Extinct to Least Concern. Those who conquer them all will earn the title “Unlikely to Become Extinct in the Near Future” and receive free entry into their next Wild Ninja!

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just ready to try something wild, this course is for anyone 8 and older.
(Ages 8–14 must compete with a participating adult or have a Full Access Spectator ticket to walk the full course with them.)

Challenge yourself. Represent your “species.” Prove you won’t go extinct.

This is a ticket is for those who want to travel with & spectate their wild ninjas for the entire 2 mile course.  They will see all 10 animal challenges. (Animal Challenges 8-10 do not require a spectator pass to spectate)

This ticket is great for those who need to accompany their children age 8-14 years old but do not want to participate on the obstacles.

*Ninja Full Access Spectator's receive a free ticket to visit the zoo on race day.
*Any Ninja Spectator may purchase a shirt for a $15 fee.

Sign up to support our event from a different location.  Registration includes T-shirt, Medal, Bib, and shipping to you. Submit your results to see how you did against the other virtual runners.