Columbus Zoo debuts Run Wild 5K run

POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) -- Around 1,200 people gathered at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium for a brand new event on Sunday. The Run Wild 5K is the very first race that took participants on a tour of the zoo.

Many zoo employees joined participants in the 5K including the CEO Tom Schmid. “Our first one and I think we started off with a bang,” said Schmid.

The 5K began at the zoo’s entrance and took runners on a tour through the pollinator gardens. Then they came through the zoo, passing by animals at Asia Quest and Adventure Cove. The race ended in Zoombezi Bay at the Wild Tides Wave Pool. “I thought it was a great course. It was nice to come support a great cause,” said Derek Haggerty, who ran with his 6-year-old son.

Money raised from the race will go towards wildlife conservation projects including the North America Trek and the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation.  “We’ve got a great venue here and we thought this is a great way for folks that may not be involved with conservation at the zoo to come out and experience something,” said Schmid.

Organizers tell NBC4 that they do plan to have the race again next year. They are going to take the feedback from this event to find ways to make it even better. You can learn more about the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium’s conservation efforts here.