ORRC Summer Solstice 5K at the Oregon Zoo

The loop course, run entirely in the Zoo, gives runners/walkers the chance to see the Elephant Lands, the African Rainforest, Pacific Shores and the Primate Forest and "backstage" on service roads.  The event is a cupless event.  Bring your own hydration system.  Reuseable silicone cups will be provided if personal hydration system is not used. 

Day of race registration and packet pickup will start at 5:30 pm just inside the Zoo entrance at the ORRC tables near the Zoo's Cascade Grill. Please note that everyone attending the event must purchase a Zoo admission wristband from us if not participating in the run. Zoo passes are not valid for after-hours events.

Race Registration Includes:

• Entrance to the zoo and its exhibits starting at 5:30 pm.
• Zenner's All Natural/Veggie Hot Dog, chips, and soda plus a voucher for an Elephant Ear for 5K runners/walkers and Kids' Fun Run, No meal included with Tot Trot registration (0-2 years old). 
• Cold treat (ice cream or popsicle) at the finish.
• Treats for Kids Run & Tot Trot participants.
• Access to the entire zoo - which is closed except for ORRC - and the amphitheatre concert lawn for a picnic after running events into the evening hours.Race 

Race Registration Does Not Include

• Beer and wine that can be bought at Elephant/Polar Plaza libation cart

Day of Event Registration Pricing

On-site registration for the Summer Solstice event is available. ORRC member and volunteer discount is not available.

Day of Race Schedule

5:30 pm - 6:45pm  Day-of-race registration & bib Ppick-up, just inside the gate entrance. 
6:00 pm - Zoo closes for all others visitors.
6:45 pm - Tot Trot at the Elephant Plaza
7:00 pm - 5K run/walk starts 
7:01 pm - Kids' Fun Run starts
8:15 pm - course closes
9:00 pm - Zoo closes to ORRC Summer Solstice event

SWAG

The runner and walker Swag bag includes an assortment of over 10 treats to both soothe the sweet tooth as well as healthy nourishment for the body and soul afterwards. Also included is a reusable, collapsible silicone running cup, part of ORRC ongoing program eliminating paper cups at all their events as a sustainable partner with the Earth. 

Refund Policy

All entry fees are non-refundable, and will be transferred to another one of ORRC's 13 annual running events.

Course Map

The 5K course consists of clockwise loops around the zoo. The course starts & finishes between the amphitheatre lawn and the Elephant Lands.

Participants will get a chance to run on roads not open to the public during normal operating hours. There are some tight spots on the course and we ask that everyone exercise caution.

At no point during the event will the course direct you onto stairs. There are sections on the course where stairs are available but we ask that you do not cut the course to use them.

Course closes promptly at 8:15pm. All participants need to exit the Zoo by 9pm.

(course is subject to change)

Kids' Fun Run and Tot Trot

Kids have three different options for participating at Summer Solstice.

Tot Trot
This event for 0-2 years of age will be an out-and-back on the bridge located at the Elephant Lands. Kids will run to and from Forest Hall. The Tot Trot will start promptly at 6:45 pm.

Kids' Fun Run
This event for 3-11 years of age will be one loop on the 5K course. This event will start immediately after the 5K participants have started.

5K Kids Run
This event is open to all kids able to run/walk a 5K. This event will start promptly at 7:00pm. Absolutely no strollers will be permitted during the 5K event.

Summer Solstice 5K bibs and wristbands

All 5K, Kids' Fun Run, and Tot Trot participants will receive specially designed custom bibs for this event. For those not registered as walkers or runners, you'll receive an ORRC wristband with your entry fee to identify you as part of our event.

Food and Drink 

You are permitted to bring your own food & drink (non-alcoholic) to have a picnic but please see restrictions below. Everyone registered for an event (excluding Tot Trot) will receive a dinner voucher for a meal that consists of a Zenner's All Natural Hot Dog Meal, chips, and soda. You will also receive a voucher for an elephant ear.

Restrictions

• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought into the Zoo.
• Store bought / catered food such as pizza, fast food, etc. are not permitted in the Zoo. Homemade food is allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Bring personal food into the Zoo?
A:Your own prepared food & non-alcoholic drink is permitted. Store purchased food  such as pizza, fast food  are not allowed.

Q: T-Shirts availablee for sale on race day?
A: No. T-shirt sales are only online. Last order date is Friday, May 20th. 

Q: Are strollers allow in the running event?
A: No. For the safety of other runners/walkers, especially at "pinch points", no strollers are allowed during race.  

Q: Is this race chip-timed?
A: No. Up through this year, The Oregon Zoo did not allow chip timed events. Yes in 2023 though. Timer clock is at finish line. 

Q: Is the zoo closed for this event?
A: Yes. You must wear your bib or wristband during the event in order for zoo staff to know you are participating in ORRC's event.

Q: What are the kids running/walking options?
A: Three options for kids depending on age: (1) The free Tot Trot is for kids up to 2 years old. The Tot Trot starts at 6:45 pm and its course goes across and back the bridge to Forest Hall in Elephant Lands (2) Kids 3 to 11 years old may participate in the Kids' Fun Run, one lap around the course, or .7 mile The Kids' Fun Run starts immediately after the 5K begins. (3), Youth at least 3 years old may participate in the full 5K event.

Q: Does Oregon Zoo Membership discount apply?
A: No. This event is not sponsored by the Oregon Zoo.

Q: Can friends/family come in to spectate?
A: Yes. They have to register since zoo is closed, with the option to purchase meal or not. 

Oregon Road Runners Club

Save $10 off each registration fee by becoming a member of ORRC! Not a current member of ORRC? Consider joining us not only for the race discounts but for many great benefits to ORRC membership.
Online registration can be found here --> ORRC membership online