2018 Run Day Schedule

Admission Information for Race Morning

Registered race participants receive complimentary entrance into the zoo on race day. Please have your bib ready to provide as proof of participation when entering the main gate.

Spectators can enter the zoo for half price on race day from 7:30–11:30am. Click here for Zoo admission rates.

Expo & Packet Pickup

Information coming soon.

Directions & Parking

Getting There

PLEASE GIVE YOURSELF LOTS OF TRAVEL TIME — We strongly suggest that you plan to arrive before 7:00 am. There will be over 5000 participants arriving at the Zoo via Meadowvale on race morning.

The Toronto Zoo is located north of Hwy 401 on Meadowvale Road in Toronto. Click here for Map and Directions to the Zoo.

From the 401

Take the Meadowvale Rd exit, travel north and follow the signs for the Toronto Zoo.

From the North

BEFORE 7:30am travel south on Meadowvale Rd — southbound Meadowvale Rd will be closed at Plug Hat Rd from 7:30–9:00am for the 10k race. 5k participants should access the Zoo from Meadowvale Rd & Sheppard Rd.

By TTC

The 85 Sheppard East bus route operates to the Zoo from Don Mills Station and Rouge Hill GO Station on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. 85A “Via Toronto Zoo” and 85B “To Toronto Zoo” buses serve the Zoo directly, from about 7am to 8pm. Other 85 Sheppard East buses serve the Sheppard Avenue/Meadowvale Road intersection, where customers can transfer to 86A Scarborough buses for the short trip into the Zoo.

The TTC bus routes that serve the Zoo, as well as Don Mills Station, Kennedy Station, and Rouge Hill GO Station, are accessible to customers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

For more route information, visit the TTC at www.ttc.ca or contact them at 416-393-4636.

By GO Train

The Toronto Zoo is just minutes from the Rouge Hill GO Station. Board a TTC 85 Sheppard East bus to the Zoo right at the station. For GO Train information, please visit www.gotransit.com.

Road Closures

Temporary Traffic Disruptions 7:30am-9:00am

Meadowvale Rd: Plug Hat Rd to Sheppard Ave

Local access available to the Toronto Zoo and Beare Rd Landfill via northbound Meadowvale Rd

Plug Hat Rd: Beare Rd to Meadowvale Rd

Old Finch Ave: Reesor Rd to Meadowvale Rd

Parking

Registered race participants receive complimentary parking into the zoo on race day. Participants leaving the zoo BEFORE 12:30pm can simply show their bib to security upon exiting the parking lot to exit free of charge.

Participants leaving AFTER 12:30pm must pick up a parking pass at Guest Services (near the front entrance) before exiting. Please have your bib ready to provide as proof of participation.

Spectators in a vehicle without a participant must pay for parking — $12.00 per vehicle and can be paid at Guest Services or at admission Kiosk when entering the zoo.

10k Participant Parking

10k participants MUST arrive before 7:00am  to avoid missing the start of the race. In order to prepare for the 10k event, we will be closing the southbound lanes of Meadowvale Rd at 7:30am.

10k parking instructions:

Lot 1 — open until it is full or 7:15 a.m.

Lot 3 or 4 — you will be directed to park in lots 3 & 4 after lot 1 fills up or if you arrive after 7:15am.

Lots 3 & 4 are approximately 550m from the 10k start line so it will take you more than 5 minutes to walk to the start line from there.

IMPORTANT:

If you get to Meadowvale after 7:30am you will miss the 10k race!

SOUTHBOUND Lanes on Meadowvale will be closed to traffic from 7:30am–9:00am for the 10k race. The northbound lanes on Meadowvale will remain open during this time but expect serious DELAYS!

For information on road closures and how to get to the parking lots at the zoo see section above.

5k Participant Parking

5k participants — PLEASE do not arrive at the Zoo on race morning until  9:00am (unless arriving with a 10k participant). The 10k race runs on Meadowvale Rd, therefore we must close the road for a short period of time. If you arrive before 9:00am you may have to wait in your vehicle until the 10k participants have passed.

5k parking instructions:

Lot 1: 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. or until it is full
Lot 3 or 4: Once Lot 1 is full

Lots 3 & 4 are approximately 700m from the Zoo Entrance. It will take you approximately 10 minutes to walk to the Entrance.

Lot 2 is approximately 750m from the Zoo Entrance. It will take you approximately 10 minutes to walk to the Zoo Entrance.

IMPORTANT:

If you arrive at Meadowvale after 9:45am you will miss the 5k race!

SOUTHBOUND Lanes on Meadowvale will be closed to traffic from 7:30am–9:00am for the 10k race. The northbound lanes on Meadowvale will remain open during this time but expect serious DELAYS!

There will be 2,500 people in the 5k so please give yourself 45 – 60 minutes to park your car & get organized before the start of your race!

For information on road closures and how to get to the parking lots at the zoo see section above.

Bicycle Parking

Bicycle racks are located outside of the Zoo main entrance.

Baggage Check

10k Baggage Check

Located beside the 10k start line, which is located in the Zoo’s main parking lot in section E.

• You will check your bag at the Baggage Truck, which will then be transported to the post-race area.
• Bags will be picked up at the post-race area — outside of the finish chute, past the food area on the far side.

10K Baggage Check Schedule

Baggage Drop-off: 6:45 a.m. – 7:40 a.m. sharp

Baggage Pick-up:  8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

5K Baggage Check

Located inside the Zoo Main Entrance, just past the Greenhouse Gift Shop. You will pick-up your bag at the same location you checked it.

5K Baggage Check Schedule

Baggage Drop-off: 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Baggage Pick-up: 10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Baggage Check Rules

• You must use your clear drawstring kit bag (image at right) for your Baggage! Absolutely no other bags will be accepted. The kit bag will be included in your race kit and is sized appropriately so that all bags checked on race day will fit in the baggage check areas, ensuring efficiency at both check-in and pick-up.
•  You will receive a baggage sticker at Packet Pick-up. You will write your bib number on this sticker. You must attach this sticker to your bag in the box marked “PLEASE AFFIX BAGGAGE STICKER HERE.”
• We strongly recommend that you leave your valuables at home. The Canada Running Series is not responsible for lost or stolen property, including any and all property checked at the Baggage Check.

Donate what you can to the Toronto Zoo at Baggage Check. 100% of the donations will go to the Toronto Zoo.

Baggage Check will close at 11:30 a.m. for the 10k, and 12:00 p.m. for the 5k. ANY bags not claimed by this time will be available for pick up at the Canada Running Series office at 264 The Esplanade, Toronto ON, M5A4J6, during our office hours. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. If you have any questions about Baggage Check please contact Rachel Williams.

Post-Race Party Site

Featuring Oasis Juice, Voltaren, and Liberté!

Race shirts from past Canada Running Series events will also be available to purchase.  Get yours at the CRS tent for $5 each or 3 for $10 (cash only).

Results & Photos