Two humps. One wild cause.
Did You Know? The Bactrian camels you'll meet at the Metro Richmond Zoo are domestic relatives of the endangered wild camel. Although they look similar, wild camels are a genetically distinct species that has survived in the harsh deserts of Central Asia for hundreds of thousands of years.
Overview
Join us Saturday, May 1, 2027, at the Metro Richmond Zoo for a day of running, obstacles, wildlife, and family fun—all supporting endangered wild camel conservation!
Choose your adventure: explore the zoo in the Mini 1-Mile, tackle the trails in the all-terrain 5K, or test your strength, balance, and determination in the Wild Ninja Obstacle Challenge. Your race registration includes same-day zoo admission, so the adventure continues after the finish line!
This season, we’re racing for the wild camel (Camelus ferus), an endangered species found only in remote desert regions of China and Mongolia. These remarkable survivors endure harsh conditions, but their small, isolated populations face serious threats.
The Metro Richmond Zoo’s domestic Bactrian camels help us tell their wild relatives’ story. Although both have two humps, domestic Bactrian camels and wild camels are separate species—and protecting the wild species takes dedicated conservation efforts.
100% of the event’s net proceeds will support wild camel conservation. Whether you run, walk, or conquer obstacles, every entry helps make a difference.
Run wild. Help wild camels survive.
Events
Mini 1 Mile
Wild Ninja
Ninja Full Access Spectator
What's included?
Every participant gets:
- Entry to race
- Bib with chip results
- Finishers medal
- Event t-shirt (animal specific to each RWR)
- FREE same day ticket into zoo
- Post race refreshments
- Support animal conservation
- Swag and sponsor freebies
PACKET PICKUP
Pre-race packet pickup: Friday, May 1, 2027 from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm.
Race-day packet pickup: Saturday, May 2, 2027 from 7:00 am – 9:30 am.
Event Schedule:
- 8:00 am Mini Start
- 8:30 am Mini Awards at Podiums
- 8:45 am 5k Start
- 9:15 am Zoo Opens
- 9:30 am 5k Awards at Podiums
- TBD am mini and 5k winners meet at the Bactrian Camel Exhibit
- 9:00 am 1st Ninja Wave
- 9:10 am 2nd Ninja Wave
- 9:20 am 3rd Ninja Wave
- 9:30 am 4th Ninja Wave
- 9:40 am 5th Ninja Wave
- 9:50 am 6th Ninja Wave
- 10:00 am 7th Ninja Wave
- TBD pm Ninja Team Winners meet at the Bactrian Camel Exhibit
Built for endurance. Racing for survival.
3 Wild Event Descriptions
Mini 1-Mile
Little legs. Big adventure! Run or walk one mile through the Metro Richmond Zoo alongside family, friends, and incredible wildlife. All ages are welcome, with awards reserved for runners ages 2–17.
The route follows mostly paved zoo pathways, with short sections of gravel and dirt. It’s a great choice for young runners, families, and all-terrain strollers.
Participant Info:
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Everyone ages 2 and older on the course needs a Mini registration, including parents and chaperones.
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Children ages 2–7 must participate with a registered parent or designated chaperone. Parents may designate a responsible older sibling or friend.
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Children under 2 may ride along without registering.
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Awards are available to participants 17 and under.
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Some exhibits will be closed during the race for animal safety. Enjoy more wildlife viewing afterward with your included same-day zoo admission!
5k
Take your run on the wild side! This 3.1-mile adventure begins inside the Metro Richmond Zoo before heading onto trails around its perimeter, with exclusive access through the Cheetah Conservation Center and areas between the zoo’s double security fences.
After nearly a mile of paved zoo pathways, tackle dirt, mulch, grass, and gravel, with winding turns, rolling hills, bridges, and a few challenging climbs. Come for the race, then stay to explore with your included same-day zoo admission!
Participant Info:
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Everyone ages 4 and older on the course needs a 5K registration, including parents and chaperones.
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Children ages 4–10 must participate with a registered parent or designated chaperone. Parents may designate a responsible older sibling or friend.
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All-terrain jogging strollers are recommended for the varied terrain.
Wild Ninja Obstacle Challenge
Do you have what it takes to escape extinction? Take on approximately two miles of trails and animal-inspired obstacles that test your balance, strength, stamina, and grip.
Inspired by American Ninja Warrior, Wild Ninja is scored by obstacles completed—not by speed. Earn points for each obstacle you conquer and discover your survival ranking, with playful categories inspired by wildlife conservation status.
Complete every obstacle to earn our ultimate survival title, “Unlikely to Become Extinct in the Near Future,” plus free entry to your next Wild Ninja!
Whether you’re an experienced ninja or trying obstacles for the first time, bring your determination and see what you can accomplish. Your registration also includes same-day zoo admission!
Participant Info:
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Open to participants ages 8 and older.
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Participants ages 8–14 must be accompanied throughout the course by a registered adult competitor or an adult with a Full Access Spectator registration.
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Full Access Spectators may walk or run alongside their ninja but do not participate in obstacles.
Challenge yourself. Conquer obstacles. Race for wild animal conservation.
FAQs'
Pre-race packet pickup: Friday, May 1, 2026 from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm.
Race-day packet pickup: Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 7:00 am – 10:00 am.
Both are located at the race venue in the grassy parking lot portion of the Metro Richmond Zoo. Look for the large tan tent.
No, there is not. However, you are able to park very close to the start and finishline.
Yes, strollers are allowed on our courses. We do recommend that the stroller is an all-terrain style jogger stroller with large bike wheels especially for the 5k. The majority of the mini route is on paved pathways with some gravel and dirt.
If they are under the age of 2 years old, then no. Under the age of 4 years old for the 5k then no either.
No. These are two seperate events. If you would like to participate in both, there is a multile event discount of $10 that automatically applies at checkout.
Sorry, no pets are allowed on the course for the safety of the zoo's animals. They are welcome at the start and finishline.
No water stations on the mini except before and after the race is finished.
2 water stations on the 5k
1 water station for Wild Ninja
Yes, there are porta-potties at the start/finish of the course.
The zoo also has mens/womens restrooms that are accessible during the event located at the Treetop Zoofari building. It's accross the parking lot from the venue.
