Faqs

Q. Are spectators permitted to watch me run?
A. Spectators must purchase an advanced ticket prior to the event: There is a designated area for spectators at the finish line. Spectators who are WCS Members can bring their valid membership card to present at the admissions gate and gain access to the zoo. Spectators (including WCS Members) are not permitted on the course. You will be directed to the designated area. Spectator tickets will be available for purchase soon.

Q. What is the Wildlife Conservation Society Run for the Wild?
A. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Run for the Wild is a 5K Run and Family Fun Run/Walk held at the Bronx Zoo in support of WCS' work to help save wildlife and wild places.

Q: When and where is the event?
A. The WCS Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo takes place on Saturday, September 26th, 2020. Check-in and registration opens at 7:00 a.m. Runners start at 8:00 AM and the Family Fun Run/Walk starts at 8:45 AM

Q: How much does registration cost?

• Individual Adult
• $50

• Individual Child
• $40

• Individual Senior
• $40

• WCS Member Adult
• $40

• WCS Member Child
• $30

• WCS Member Senior
• $30

• Virtual Runner
• FREE

All adults and senior registrants must also raise at least $35 before the run in order to participate.

Q: How do I get there and where do I park?
A. 8:00 AM participants (5K Run) please use the Southern Blvd parking lot. Gate C can be found at 182nd Street and Southern Blvd.

A. 8:45 AM participants (5K Family Fun Run) Click here for directions (mass transportation and by car). Participants must arrive at the Bronx Zoo via the Bronx River entrance (closest entrance to registration). Parking fees are waived prior to 8:45 a.m. In the event the Bronx River parking lot is filled upon your arrival, you will be guided to an alternate lot.

Parking & Entrances
Please plan to arrive early give yourself a few extra minutes to get to the zoo as parking lot spaces will be limited. We encourage participants to carpool avoiding parking delays and decrease traffic jams coming in and out of the zoo. All runners for the 8:00am start are encouraged to park at the Southern Boulevard Parking Lot where there will be limited shuttle service available to bring you close to the start line. All walkers should park at the Bronx River parking lot (closest to the start line). Pedestrian entrances will only be available at Bronx River and Southern Boulevard. For those taking car service, we recommend getting dropped out at the Southern Boulevard pedestrian entrance.

Q: Is The WCS Run for the Wild a competitive race?
A. No. But the top three men and top three women will receive prizes. There will be a digital clock at the finish line for participants interested in their race time.

*Note the 5K is a non-competitive run, however we encourage runners with children to join the Family Fun Run/Walk which is geared for running or walking at your own pace.

Q: How long is the course and where does it pass through?
A. The course is five kilometers, or 3.1 miles, and set within Bronx Zoo grounds.

Q: Can I register on the day of the event?
A. Due to overwhelming popularity, we strongly recommend that you register in advance.

Q: What is the required fundraising target and how do I meet it?
A. There is a minimum requirement of $35 for adults/seniors and we also suggest an individual fundraising goal of $300.

Q: What if I don't meet the fundraising minimum?
A. If you do not meet the $35 fundraising requirement prior to September 25, 2020, the remainder of the requirement will be charged to the credit card that you used during registration. Please note runners who are part of a team need to have their fundraising requirement credited to their individual fundraising page.

Q: Where do I drop off my pledges?
A. You can drop off your pledges at the dedicated tent on the day of the event, Saturday, September 26. Make checks payable to WCS Run for the Wild.

Q: When and where do I pick up my run bib and t-shirt?
A: All bibs and t-shirts will be mailed to individuals (during the weeks of September 14 and September 21) who have met their fundraising requirement prior to September 7. Individuals who have not met the September 7 deadline will have an opportunity to drop off and pick up their bib and t-shirt on the day of the event.

*We strongly urge participants to meet the required fundraising minimum prior to September 7 to avoid any lines on event day.

Q: Do I have to pay for zoo admission?
A. No, your registration fee includes complimentary general zoo admission.

Q: Are children permitted to participate? May I walk with a stroller?
A. Children can participate in the Family Run/Walk that kicks off at 8:45 AM. You may also walk with a stroller in the Family Fun Run/Walk. Children under three years of age are free.

*You can choose your own pace — walk, run, stroll with your friends and family

Q: What is the refund policy?
A. There are no refunds on registration fees or donations for WCS Run for the Wild.

Q: What happens if it rains?
A. The run will take place rain or shine.

Q: Can I fill out my registration and pledge form by hand instead of online?
A. No, registration is online only. Pledges can be collected and handed in on the day of the Run.

Q. Do I get a Run for the Wild T-shirt?
A. Adults and seniors must meet their required $35 fundraising target for wildlife in order to receive a 2020 WCS Run for the Wild T-shirt (children's registration fee includes t-shirt). Sizes are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. (Registration fee does not count toward fundraising goals or prizes.)

Q: Will there be breakfast?
A. Light refreshments will be available to participants at the post-run activity center in Fountain Circle.

Q: Can you bring your bag to the event?
A. All participants and spectators will be subject to bag searches at all point of entry to the Bronx Zoo.In order to expedite the process, we strongly advise that you limit what you bring into the park and if possible, leave items in your vehicle. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Q: Will there be a bag check?
A. Yes, there will be bag check from 7:00 AM - 11:30 AM. at the Bronx River and Southern Boulevard Parking lots.

Q: Can I stay in the zoo after the run has ended?
A. Of course! Stay the day to unwind, meet our animals, and enjoy our restaurants and shops. Your registration fee includes general admission to the Bronx Zoo. If you want to visit the special attractions such as JungleWorld and the Children's Zoo, you can purchase a Total Experience upgrade in advance or on the day of the Run at a discounted rate. A special 10% discount for food and merchandise purchases will be applied with your race bib.  

Q: Will there be any on-site First Aid provisions?
A. There will be a First Aid tent at the finish area to care for any minor injuries as well as an on-site ambulance for more serious injuries. In addition, each run will be trailed by a NYPD medic.  

WAVE STARTS

What is a wave start?
Runners line up behind the starting line according to their predicted pace.

How do I line up?

• Upon arrival to the start line, please find your pace group: 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes or 10 minutes+.
• Can't find your predicted pace group? Just look for the signs held up by staff in lime green shirts along the start line!
• Once within your predicted pace group wait until your wave is directed to start the run.

Prize FAQs

Q: Does my registration fee apply toward fundraising prizes?
A. No. Your registration fee does not apply toward fundraising prizes.

Q: If my team reaches the suggested fundraising goal, will everyone on my team receive the prizes?
A. No. Fundraising prizes are awarded to individuals who meet the required level to earn that prize

Q: If I register under an existing corporate team, am I entitled to the prizes that the team's fundraising efforts achieved?
A: No. Fundraising prizes can only be earned by individuals, not teams.

Q: Who can I contact for general information concerning the run?
A: Please contact runforthewild@wcs.org or call 718-220-5112 Monday - Sunday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Q: If someone mistakenly makes a donation on behalf of a team instead of an individual on a team, can that be fixed?
A: Yes, in the event that a gift needs to be reassigned, please email runforthewild@wcs.org.

Q: Does the WCS Run for the Wild accept matching gifts?
A: Yes, Please check with your employer about matching your gift to the WCS Run for the Wild. Matching gift forms can be emailed to devcontribs@wcs.org or mailed to
2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10460
Attn: WCS Run for the Wild.

Q: How will I be able to claim my prize(s)?
A: If you have qualified for prizes based on your personal fundraising success, you will need to print your fundraising total from the Participant Center and bring it with you on the day of the Run to claim your prize(s).  Prizes will be available during post-run activities in the zoo. There will be a pick-up area near the Finish Line, at the Schiff Great Family Hall located on Astor Court. If you are dropping off donations on site, you will receive an updated certificate reflecting your qualified level of prizes at the Pledge Tent. 

*Remember, fundraising prizes are awarded to individuals, not teams.

Q: Will I be eligible for prizes if I bring my donations on the day of the Run?
A: Yes. Donations will be processed at the Pledge Tent during check-in and prize vouchers will be handed out to eligible participants.

Q: Can I send checks by mail towards my fundraising goal?
A: No. You can drop off your pledges at the dedicated tent on the day of the event, Saturday, September 26. Make checks payable to WCS Run for the Wild.

*All checks must be listed in your participant center prior to the event date.