Friday's Featured 5k of the Week - Brookfield Zoo Run Run

The Brookfield Zoo Run Run (and walk walk) takes place in September at the Brookfield Zoo, in Brookfield, IL - just west of Chicago - and benefits the Chicago Zoological Society Animal Care and Conservation Fund.

The event offers a chip-timed 5k, an untimed "fun run" 5k, and a 5k walk.  With the chipped runners starting first, then 10 minutes late the "fun run" and then 10 minutes after that, the walk.  Having three separate "categories" opens this event to runners and walkers of all ages and running-levels.  This truly can be a family outing.

This event is able to accomplish what few 5Ks have accomplished, the entire route without using any public streets and without leaving the general property.  Now, what does that mean - lots of turns and zig-zags and curves.  For those running for speed, as anybody knows, turns, especially hairpins slow down speeds - and this has plenty of turns AND hairpins.  One the opposite side however, this a very flat zoo - and time lost in the turns is gained with the absence of elevation changes.  Now, many runners find all of these turns fun and interesting - so there is definitely something here for every runner.  The course map can be found here - https://www.czs.org/custom.czs/media/BZ_SpecialEvents/ZRR-map-2015.pdf.

The course begins (and ends) on the property in the Discovery Center Parking lot - this is pretty much the only time you aren't in the zoo exhibition areas.  But it makes sense, as lots of room is needed to start and finish a race, considering food/water tables, sponsor booths, emcee stands, gear check, starting corrals, finish line timing devices, photo ops, etc etc.  From there the route goes along an access road through a heavily shaded area to appear into the zoo proper near the family zoo.  From there is starts winding every which way including a few hairpins and some switchback areas where you can see runners on either side going opposite directions.  These are always good for the motivation - few runners want other runners to see them slowing.  The route runs past buildings, past open areas, through some exhibit decorations, past some open areas, and past the fountain (and if it is hot outside and a little windy, this provides some cool relief).  There is no way my writing skills can do this justice - so I suggest just looking at the map a few times (link above).  Just looking at the map is fun - imagine being there!

To add to the fun - most of the animals are out and about.  Of course, 8:30am is already late in the day for most animals.  By far one of the most scenic 5Ks around!  I think one participant said it best

"It's like a 5K safari!".