Run Wild 5K at the North Carolina Zoo
- Date
- June 13, 2026
- Distance
- 5K
From the Organizer
SOLD OUT - to the shock of everyone, the 2026 event sold out within hours of opening on February 1. We are sorry if you were not able to get in and hope you'll be able to join us next year!
Welcome to the 2026 Run Wild 5K at the North Carolina Zoo! The event will take place on Saturday, June 13, with a start time of 7:30 a.m.
This event isn't just about running—it's about making a difference. All registration fees go directly toward protecting our native salamander populations, the small but vital species living right beneath our feet.
Each registration comes with a Zoo ticket, an event tee, and a commemorative sticker.
The race will take place on North Carolina Zoo property. The route is on paved visitor pathways and features rolling hills typical to the foothills of North Carolina. The course will begin at the North America Connector road, continue into the Zoo through the Africa and North America continents, and conclude at Solar Pointe picnic area. Don't be surprised if you hear the roar of lions or howling of red wolves along the way!
There will be refreshments and festivities at Solar Pointe for participants to enjoy in celebration of completing the race.
The start and finish lines are near Solar Pointe, just outside Zoo gates. This means spectators are able to watch and cheer for friends and family at both the start and finish. (However, they will not be allowed to access any parts of the course inside the Zoo during the race.) The Zoo will open to all guests at 9 a.m. after the race concludes.
This event is open to all ages, walkers and runners alike. You need to be able to complete the event in 90 minutes because that's when the course closes.
REGISTRATION LIMITED TO 650 PARTICIPANTS!
Events
Weather
Race-Day Forecast
Live forecast from the U.S. National Weather Service.
Race Day
Saturday, 6/13
High
93°
Low
70°
Conditions
Partly sunny then chance showers and thunderstorms
Chance of Rain
45%
Wind
1 to 5 mph
Host City
About Asheboro, NC
Population
27,353
as of 2023
Elevation
835 ft
Nearest Airport
GSO
Piedmont Triad International Airport · 28 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Run Wild 5K at the North Carolina Zoo, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
5
Days to train
- Race
- Run Wild 5K at the North Carolina Zoo
- Date
- June 13, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Asheboro, NC
The Sleigh Ride
Less than a mile away
Rescue Run 5K
5K
Less than a mile away
Carpe Diem - Carpe Noctem Half Marathon and 10K - North Carolina
Half Marathon · 10K
16 miles away
Rock the Block 2026
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Run Wild 5K at the North Carolina Zoo?
- Run Wild 5K at the North Carolina Zoo is a running race held in Asheboro, North Carolina on June 13, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Run Wild 5K at the North Carolina Zoo?
- Saturday, June 13, 2026 in Asheboro, North Carolina at NC Zoo Solar Pointe, Asheboro, NC. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Run Wild 5K at the North Carolina Zoo?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Run Wild 5K at the North Carolina Zoo
Jun 13, 2026