Register now, before prices increase October 20
Lace up your running shoes! Louisville’s wildest 5K, Throo the Zoo, is just around the corner, set to take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, November 9. The annual event, presented by Norton Sports Health, is a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing participants to run or walk through the Zoo while supporting its mission to “better the bond between people and our planet.”
“We are celebrating over 30 years of this beloved event!” said Louisville Zoo director Dan Maloney. “We can’t wait to see everyone laced up and ready to run or walk with us in November. Thank you to Norton Sports Health for their continued support of the wildest 5K in town!”
The Throo the Zoo 5k Run/Walk takes participants on a chip-timed course that winds through the Zoo’s exhibits, offering unique views of animal ambassadors like bears, giraffes and sloths. The event welcomes runners and walkers of all fitness levels, including guests with strollers.
"Norton Sports Health is excited to support Throo the Zoo," said Tiff L. Haub, M.S., ATC, director of Norton Sports Health. “Our team is always looking for ways to promote exercise and fitness throughout the city, and we're looking forward to being a part of this unique opportunity to pair those values with the incredible wildlife we cherish. Let's run wild together."
Registration for this important Zoo fundraiser is $35 now through October 19 and can be completed online at louisvillezoo.org/throo. Prices will increase to $40 on October 20, and race-day registration on November 9 will cost $50.
Packet pickup will take place in the Zoo’s bus parking lot on Friday, November 8 from noon to 6 p.m.
As part of the event festivities, a costume contest sponsored by Swags Sports Shoes invites race participants to dress up for the occasion. Submit a photo of your running costume on the Zoo’s Facebook post Saturday, November 9. The Zoo will award prizes to the group, pair and individual photos with the most reactions in the comments!
For those unable to attend in person or who prefer to complete the distance at another location, the Zoo offers a Throo the Zoo Virtual 5K. Virtual participants can run or walk the 5K on their time and course, and they will receive a finisher’s medal and a Zoo ticket for a future visit. Pricing for the virtual option starts at $30 with, an increase on October 20.
Throo the Zoo is presented by Norton Sports Health and sponsored by Bank of America with additional support from Louisville Water Company, PepsiCo, SSA Group and Swags Sport Shoes.
Road Closures
Illinois Avenue will be closed from Grenade Avenue to Trevilian Way from 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., and from Taylor Avenue to Grenade Avenue from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Zoo Hours
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through March 14, 2025, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests exiting by 5 p.m. During Boo at the Zoo, presented by Meijer, daytime hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (exit by 4 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information.