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Buy Tickets The Most Unique 5K in Town Returns to Cincinnati Zoo this March
Registration now open for the Cheetah Run 5K
CINCINNATI (January 16, 2026) – Runners rejoice! The Cheetah Run 5K is coming back to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden on March 22, 2026, after a six-year hiatus!
“This is clearly an event that people want,” said Sydney Boudreaux, special events manager at the Cincinnati Zoo. “I cannot tell you how many people, including executive chair Thane Maynard, have repeatedly asked us to bring it back. We listened, and we’re not just bringing it back, we’re making it even better!”
This 5K run weaves in and out of the Zoo, past cheetahs, lions, giraffes, bears, otters, zebras, and more! Run or walk for this unforgettable 3.1-mile adventure through the beautiful Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and surrounding Avondale neighborhood.
Registration for the Cheetah Run 5K is open to guests of all ages. Post-race Zoo admission is included with race registration. Spectators can enjoy the Zoo after cheering on race participants. Zoo members are invited to observe parts of the race outside of the Zoo until 9am.
The Zoo is also offering a special post-race Cub Run for kids 12 and under. The $10 fee also includes Zoo admission for the day.
Race Day Schedule:
7:00 AM – Race Day Registration & Packet Pickup Opens
8:00 AM – 5K Race Begins
8:45 AM – Cub Run for Kids Ages 12 and Under
9:00 AM – Zoo Opens
