Get ready to run — the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) Run for the Wild is returning this spring to the Bronx Zoo.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Run for the Wild, which aims to raise money to support wildlife conservation through a 5K run and a more casual 3K walk through the Bronx Zoo. Sponsored by Montefiore Einstein, the run will take place on Saturday, April 29.
Each year, the run is dedicated to an animal or a family of animals that are in need of conservation support, and this year that dedication is going to the sloths. Sloths, which come in two-toed and three-toed varieties, spend their lives hanging upside down from trees in the South American and Central American tropical rainforests, and have a green tinge on their fur that acts as a camouflage from predators.
More than 5,000 runners are expected to participate in this year’s races. The 5K race for individual runners will kick off at 8 a.m., while those participating in the 3K Family Fun Run/Walk will start at 9:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to stick around the zoo following the run for activities such as photo ops, refreshments, trivia, games and more, or to just enjoy the Bronx Zoo exhibits when they open.
Each participant is encouraged to seek donations and there are prizes for achieving the fundraising goals to support the sloths. All participants are eligible for prizes such as a t-shirt, sloth plush, water bottle, tote bag cooler, blanket, socks, and Bronx Zoo tickets plus a VIP breakfast/meal voucher.
Registration is now open for the upcoming run. Registration fees are $55 for adults and $45 for children and seniors, with a $15 discount for WCS members. There is a minimum donation requirement of $35 added on for all participants 16 years of age and older. Registration for the virtual run is $35.
Individual and team participants can register for the 5k run or 3k walk at WCSRunForTheWild.org.
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