Zoo Knoxville Red Panda Run 5K

Zoo Knoxville Red Panda Run 5K

Sat May 30, 2026

Knoxville, TN 37914 US

Join us for the Red Panda Run, a 5K beginning and ending in Zoo Knoxville. Age Group Winners will receive Red Panda Swag while the Overall Winner and their family will get to meet one of our resident Red Pandas on Race Day.

All registrants will receive:

• Red Panda Run Commemorative T-shirt
• Red Panda Race Bib
• Day of Zoo Admission
• Discounted Zoo Admission for Spectators
• Post Race Refreshments

Course Description

The Red Panda Run begins at the Red Panda Village, Mile 1 moves past the Asian Trek Tiger and Gibbon Treehouse, by the Carousel and through Kid's Cove. Runners will enter Chilhowee Park with access to Water Station at The Muse and go through the tunnel at the Midway. Mile 2 returns runners to circle Lake Ottosee and reenter Zoo Knoxville through the Front Gate and main plaza. Mile 3 explores the West End of Zoo Knoxville, beginning with the all new Timber Loop Boardwalk, then passing through Rhino Reserve and a Water Station at the Ostrich Exhibit. Runners will then explore Gorilla Valley and Chimp Ridge, leading to an overlook of Southern Savannah and a gravel forest path, tunnel, and bridge to the finish line in the Amphibian and Reptile Campus Plaza. Post Race Refreshments will be in the Sugarland's Barn.

Registration Fee Schedule

• $40 - Member Registration, February 25th - March 4th
• $40 - Early Bird Registration, March 4th - March 25th
• $50 - General Registration, March 25th - May 28th
• $60 - Day Before/Of, May 29 - 30th
• $20 Spectator Admission

Tickets will be available for purchase for families/friends the week before the event. Spectators will remain in the main plaza during the race to view the Starting Line, Mile 2 Marker, and Finish Line. Spectators will have access to the pre and post race party and Zoo Admission on Race Day.