5K

Saturday September 16, 2023.

Calling all animal lovers!

Join us on Saturday September 16, 2023 to celebrate the 21st edition of the Oasis ZooRun!

This family-friendly event has a distance for everyone. You can choose from 10K, 5K, and CubRun distance options as well as the 15K Red Panda Rally (5K virtual & 10K in-person).

All participants will receive a souvenir shirt and finisher medal with this year’s featured animal, the red panda.

Show your support for the incredible conservation work being done by the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy by making a donation during registration and fundraising.

Your registration includes:

  • 10K/5K finisher medal
  • Souvenir shirt
  • Bib
  • Complimentary admission to the Toronto Zoo on race day
  • Complimentary parking at the Toronto Zoo on race day

Start Line

5K Start Time – 10:30 a.m.

5K Start Location – Just inside the main entrance of the Toronto Zoo behind the Tim Horton’s

Participants will be assigned a start corral based on the expected finishing time submitted during registration.

Finish Line & Post-Race

The 5K finish line is located near the Savanna picnic area.

Course Map

5K Course Map

*Course Subject to Change

Course Restrictions

Entry Limit

5K: maximum 2,500 participants

For the safety of all participants, baby backpacks, skateboards, roller blades, Kangoo Jump shoes, animals and unauthorized bicycles & wheeled devices are not permitted in the race.

Participants that use Nordic Poles are welcome.

Baby Strollers are welcome in the 5K event only.

Time Limit

The time limit to complete the 5K course is 1 hour, 30 minutes.

What happens if I don’t complete the race within the course time limit?

Strollers

Strollers will be permitted for the In-Person 5K and the CubRun distances. Strollers are asked to start at the back with the understanding that this is not a competitive category and you will be moving slowly.  For the In-Person 5K, the child in the stroller will not get a medal. Please note that anyone participating with a stroller will need to pay admission for their child in the stroller to enter the Zoo. There will be a 50% discount for the child in the stroller.

Course Amenities

Water Stations

  • Pre-race area
  • 2.5K
  • 3K
  • Finish
  • Post-race area

Port-o-lets

Port-o-Lets will be provided in the following locations:

  • Pre-race
  • Course water stations
  • Post-race area

To avoid lengthy lineups and stress, please give yourself ample time to use the facilities.

Medical Services

Odyssey Medical will provide medical services on course and at the finish line medical tent.

A Toronto Paramedic Services ambulance will be stationed at the Toronto Zoo.

10K

Saturday September 16, 2023.

Calling all animal lovers!

Join us on Saturday September 16, 2023 to celebrate the 21st edition of the Oasis ZooRun!

This family-friendly event has a distance for everyone. You can choose from 10K, 5K, and CubRun distance options as well as the 15K Red Panda Rally (5K virtual & 10K in-person).

All participants will receive a souvenir shirt and finisher medal with this year’s featured animal, the red panda.

Show your support for the incredible conservation work being done by the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy by making a donation during registration and fundraising.

Your registration includes:

  • 10K/5K finisher medal
  • Souvenir shirt
  • Bib
  • Complimentary admission to the Toronto Zoo on race day
  • Complimentary parking at the Toronto Zoo on race day

Start Line

10K Start Time – 8:00 a.m.

10K Start Location – Parking Lot 1 of the Toronto Zoo

Participants will be assigned a start corral based on the expected finishing time submitted during registration.

Finish Line & Post-Race

The 10K finish line is located near the Savanna picnic area.

Course Map

10K Course Map

*Course Subject to Change

Course Restrictions

Entry Limit

10K: maximum 2,000 participants

For the safety of all participants, baby backpacks, skateboards, roller blades, Kangoo Jump shoes, animals and unauthorized bicycles & wheeled devices are not permitted in the race.

Participants using Nordic Poles are welcome.

Baby Strollers are welcome in the 5K event only.

Time Limit

The time limit to complete the 10K course is 2 hours.

What happens if I don’t complete the race within the course time limit?

Course Amenities

Water Stations

  • Pre-race area
  • 4K
  • 8.5K
  • Finish
  • Post-race area

Port-o-lets

Port-o-Lets will be provided in the following locations:

  • Pre-race
  • Course water stations
  • Post-race area

To avoid lengthy lineups and stress, please give yourself ample time to use the facilities.

Medical Services

Odyssey Medical will provide medical services on course and at the finish line medical tent.

A Toronto Paramedic Services ambulance will be stationed at the Toronto Zoo.

CubRun (Ages 2–10)

Saturday September 16, 2023.

The Oasis ZooRun CubRun is a 400-800m event for children ages 2-10 years old.

  • Children ages 2-5 years old should run the approximate 400m with a parent.
  • Children ages 6-10 years old should run the approximate 800m on their own.
  • All CubRun participants will receive a finisher medal upon completion of the event. This is NOT a timed event.

Your registration includes:

  • CubRun finisher medal
  • Souvenir shirt
  • CubRun bib
  • Complimentary admission to the Toronto Zoo on race day
  • Complimentary parking at the Toronto Zoo on race day

Start Line

CubRun Start Time – 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

CubRun Start Location – Serengeti Bush Camp, in the African Savanna 

The CubRun will start in multiple waves. Children will be assigned a start wave based on their age.

Start Time  Corral  Age  Distance 
9:15  A  9-10  800m 
9:19  B  8  800m 
9:23  C  7  800m 
9:27  D  7  800m 
9:31  E  6  800m 
9:35  F  6  800m 
9:39  G  4-5  800m 
9:44  H  5  400m 
9:48  I  4  400m 
9:52  J  4  400m 
9:56  K  3  400m 
10:00  L  2-3  400m 

 

Finish Line

The CubRun finish line will be located near the Simba Safari picnic site.

Please note — all children must be picked up by an adult at the finish area, following the guidelines below:

  • All children will receive 2 identical bibs.
  • One bib must be worn by the child participating.
  • The second bib must be worn by the adult accompanying or picking up the child at the finish area.
  • These procedures are in place for the safety of your children. Please respect our event staff as they take the time to check this at the finish area.

Course Map

400m & 800m (distances are approximate)

CubRun Course Map

Course Restrictions

Entry Limit

CubRun: maximum 850 participants

Adults

Adults should accompany their children ages 2-5 years old during the CubRun and strollers are permitted to start at the back. If the adult is not participating in the 10K or 5K events, half-priced admission must be paid.

Strollers

Strollers will be permitted for the In-Person 5K and the CubRun distances. Strollers are asked to start at the back with the understanding that this is not a competitive category and you will be moving slowly. For the In-Person 5K, the child in the stroller will not get a medal. Please note that anyone participating with a stroller will need to pay admission for their child in the stroller to enter the Zoo. There will be a 50% discount for the child in the stroller.

15K Red Panda Rally

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Back this year (with a new name), the Red Panda Rally! Join us for both the Virtual 5K and In-Person 10K races. Limited spots are available for this exclusive event, so sign up today.

Virtual Period (5K): September 1 – 30 at 11:59 p.m.

Race Day (10K): Saturday September 16, 2023

Your Registration Includes: 

  • One (1) 10K/5K finisher medal
  • One (1) souvenir shirt
  • Bib for in-person 10K race
  • Digital bib and certificate for virtual 5K race
  • Complimentary admission to the Toronto Zoo on race day
  • Complimentary parking at the Toronto Zoo on race day
  • Bonus swag item (Toronto Zoo drinking glass)

Start Line

10K Start Time – 8:00 a.m.

10K Start Location – Parking Lot 1 of the Toronto Zoo

Participants will be assigned a start corral based on the expected finishing time submitted during registration.

Finish Line & Post-Race

The 10K finish line is located near the Savanna picnic area.

Course Map

10K Course Map

*Course Subject to Change

Course Restrictions

Entry Limit

10K: maximum 2,000 participants

For the safety of all participants, baby backpacks, skateboards, roller blades, Kangoo Jump shoes, animals and unauthorized bicycles & wheeled devices are not permitted in the race.

Participants using Nordic Poles are welcome.

Baby Strollers are welcome in the 5K event only.

Time Limit

The time limit to complete the 10K course is 2 hours.

What happens if I don’t complete the race within the course time limit?

Course Amenities

Water Stations

  • Pre-race area
  • 3.5K
  • 7K
  • Finish
  • Post-race area

Port-o-lets

Port-o-Lets will be provided in the following locations:

  • Pre-race
  • Course water stations
  • Post-race area

To avoid lengthy lineups and stress, please give yourself ample time to use the facilities.

Medical Services

Odyssey Medical will provide medical services on course and at the finish line medical tent.

A Toronto Paramedic Services ambulance will be stationed at the Toronto Zoo.

Inputting Your Results

You can input your results from September 1 – 30 at 11:59 p.m.

Once you have completed your activity, you can track it on the Race Roster Results Platform by following these steps:

  1. Login to your Participant Dashboard
  2. Locate your Oasis ZooRun virtual race on the right side of your participant dashboard
  3. Select the [Post Your Result] button under your virtual race
  4. Add the duration of your run and/or walk
  5. Select ‘Submit Results’

Race Kit Pickup

Race Kit Pickup will be available for everyone taking part in the in-person event.

Race Kit Pick Location   

The BlackToe Running Midtown location at 2488 Yonge St in Toronto. 

All participants in the In-Person event must pick up their Race Kit at Race Kit Pickup.  

Bring your own bag!  

In an effort to be more sustainable, we no longer provide plastic bags to carry your kit or to use for baggage check. Please bring your own bag to Race Kit Pickup for your bib, pins and shirt!  

3 Kit Maximum  

Please note that each person will only be allowed to pick up 3 kits, including their own. If you plan to pick up more than 3 kits, please plan to bring enough people that will allow you to each pickup 3. Exceptions will be made for families with more than 3 people. No team kit pickup.

Race Kit Pick Schedule  

Thursday, September 14th – Friday, September 15th 2023   

Hours: 11:00am – 7:00pm  

There is no race day pickup.  

Out of Towners

To ensure a smooth operation, race day kit pickup is limited to those living outside our designated pickup zone.

Participants residing within the designated pickup zone, noted below, must collect their race kit at the BlackToe store between September 14-15.   

  • Ajax  
  • Etobicoke 
  • Markham 
  • Mississauga 
  • Pickering  
  • Scarborough  
  • Toronto 
  • Vaughan  

*Note that a friend or family member can pick up on your behalf provided they have your original Race Roster Registration Confirmation Email OR a text, e-mail, or hand-written note that states you allow them to pick up your race kit on your behalf.  

If you reside OUTSIDE the areas listed above, you can pick up your race kit on race morning at the Zoo. Please have your bib number ready when you arrive to reduce lines and wait times. 

Picking up for a Friend?  

Please bring either their original Race Roster Registration Confirmation Email OR a text, e-mail, or hand-written note that states they allow you to pick up their race kit on their behalf.

Race Kits will not be shipped or available for pickup after the race. 

Training

Training Run 

Join us on August 23rd at the BlackToe Running Midtown location at 2488 Yonge St in Toronto. 

Train with friends new and old to get ready for this year’s Oasis ZooRun at the Toronto Zoo. All paces are welcome, encouraged, and will be supported along the route! 

Run, then hang out with your fellow runners while enjoying some snacks. HOKA will be on site for you to try on and demo shoes! 

Learn more about the ZooRun courses and get a sneak peak of the finishers medal you’ll earn on Saturday, September 16th. 

This training run offers a 5K and 3K route. Both routes begin and end at the BlackToe store. 

It’s free and spots are limited to 100 runners.

Register Here

Training Plan

Whether it’s your first race or your 50th, our friends at BlackToe Running have you covered with both a beginner and intermediate training plan!

Beginner Training Program
Intermediate Training Program

Elites and Awards

For all information on our Elite Hosting at Canada Running Series events in 2023, please click on the link below. 

ELITE ATHLETE INFORMATION

Age Category Prizing

Results will be reviewed for one week following the event. During these seven days, athletes are able to lodge a formal, written protest to the race director for review. After the week, results will be finalized, prizing and age category prizing will be issued within a month of race day. Prize cheques will no longer be distributed on event day.

*Prize money winners in the Open, Canadian and Masters categories are not eligible to win an age category prize.

Hotels

Comfort Inn Pickering
533 Kingston Rd., Pickering, ON, L1V 3N7
(905) 831-6200

Oasis ZooRun Special Rate: $139.00

Book Now!

Or call (905) 831-6200 to book your room! Mention “Oasis ZooRun” to receive the special rate. Limited number of rooms available. Reservations to be made by Friday, August 25, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

Stay Connected

Use our official event hashtag #OasisZooRun to connect with our virtual race community. Join our Facebook Event Page and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @runcrs.