Zoo run/walk May 9 promises fun, prizes
If you see a throng of sneaker-clad runners streaming through the Louisville Zoo May 9, don't be alarmed. They aren't fleeing a liberated lion or escaping an outraged orangutan.
It's all part of the 16th annual Throo the Zoo 5K Run/Walk, presented by Norton Audubon Hospital, with proceeds going toward the zoo's mission "of bettering the bond between people and our planet."
The event is one of Louisville's most distinctive road events, because the course does not go around the Zoo, but "throo" the zoo. Runners, walkers and animal lovers of all ages are encouraged to participate. Strollers are welcome, but no roller blades or pets are allowed.
The race begins at 8 a.m. on Trevilian Way. Registration is required, and forms can be completed online here.
Registration fees are: $25 if postmarked by May 6 or by registering at Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches on Dutchmans Lane May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.; $30 on May 7 or 8 at Fleet Feet on Bardstown Road from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and $35 at the Zoo the day of the race from 7 to 7:45 a.m. in the bus parking lot.
The registration fee includes post-race refreshments, door prizes and zoo admission for the day.
Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches on Dutchmans Lane will host a pre-race party from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7, to allow race participants to pick up their race packets. It will also be the last chance to register in advance at the discounted $25 registration fee and will also feature some of the zoo's animals.
Door prizes will be drawn at the finish line area around 9:30 a.m., or whenever the last walkers have finished the course. Grand door prize is free lunch for a year (one lunch per month) compliments of Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches.
Registration form can be mailed to: Fleet Feet Sports, 1500 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40205, with fees made payable to the Louisville Zoo.
Advance pickup of race numbers, T-shirts and instructions will be available during the pre-race party at Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches, at Fleet Feet on Bardstown Road from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.May 8 or at the zoo on race day, beginning at 7 a.m.
The first 1,300 participants to register will receive a special commemorative T-shirt that features a specially designed illustration of a rhinoceros by Ralph Bergmann. The Ostrich Egg Award will be presented to the first-place male and female runners.
Additional award details and other information are available here.
Posted by Bill Wolfe
