Time for the Brookfield ZooRunRun!

Or as I prefer to call it, the ZooWalkWalk.  That’s what I usually do at Brookfield Zoo’s annual 5k, though this year included a little sprinting as well.  Several years ago, we happened to arrive at the zoo as their ZooRunRun was finishing, which is how it came to my attention.  By the time it rolled around again, we were already learning karate and hustling up the Hancock once a year; walking a few miles on a fall morning seemed like a nice addition.  Consistently scheduled for early September, the zoo has a knack for perfect weather for the event.

The runners start first, split into groups by their expected mile time (self-assessed), followed by the walkers.  Everybody is timed automatically based on the bibs, and you can scan the QR code on your bib to retrieve your time.  Alternately, you can queue up for the lone laptop (there used to be more) and enter your bib number.  In addition to the traditional water and banana handouts, there were two different samples this year to help with recovery – BarkThins and Kind bars.

As a walker, I slowed down occasionally to watch animals that usually rest in the heat of day – both the warthogs and wallabies were unusually active this time.  After the race, the wallabies had already settled into their normal lounging by the time we walked by again.  In fact, one of the biggest benefits I see to the ZooRunRun – other than supporting their conservation efforts – is the opportunity to wander the zoo before it officially opens.  The faster you move during your walk or run, the more time you have at the zoo with reduced crowds.