I had heard about the Nashville Zoo Run Run several years ago when I was pregnant. Finally this year we decided to sign up and bring our little guy with us! We love animals and the zoo so we figured this would be perfect for our family. Read on for my full 2023 Nashville Zoo Run Run Race Recap!
Registration
We signed up for the race about a month out. My husband opted for the non-timed event since he was going to wear the Minimei Shoulder Carrier and walk. The price was reasonable, and the proceeds benefited the zoo’s conservation efforts.
The day before the race I drove to the zoo to pick up our race bibs and shirts. We had received several emails for the event stating you had to get to the zoo early if you wanted to pick up your packet the day of. I knew we would be dealing with our kiddo’s nap schedule, so I didn’t want to leave anything to stress us out on race day. There was barely anyone there when I got our packets, so it was easy and I’m glad I could do it early!
Race Day
The race started at 3 pm, but they encouraged everyone to get there no later than 245pm. I had a feeling that parking would be an issue, so we left as soon as we could and got there around 215pm. We snagged some of the last spots in the parking lot, so definitely getting there as early as possible was a good move!
We waited for the bathroom at the front of the zoo before heading in. Later we found out there were more bathrooms inside the zoo. Oh well! We had plenty of time to check out the play area and vendors. They were also running the zip-line, which my kid loved watching and shouting “Weee!” as folks flew through the sky.
There were two corrals to separate the timed vs un-timed folks. I hopped into the timed corral and my husband went into the un-timed. We both enjoyed all the people watching as costumes were encouraged, there was even a contest for the best dressed!
Race
The start of the race took us through some narrow paths and a smelly barn area. I wasn’t a huge fan of this portion of the race since it was cramped (and smelly!). My husband on the other hand said he saw animals in the barn, so he enjoyed it!
The course took us through some parking lots, back roads around the zoo, and finally, the last mile entered the actual zoo. I found most of the course boring until we entered the zoo. There were volunteer workers from the zoo that cheered us on throughout the race, they had great energy! I really appreciated it to keep me pumped during those boring sections.
Truth be told, I ran a wee bit faster than I had intended. I wasn’t trying to “race” the 5k, but in all the excitement I got caught up and ran faster than I really wanted to. Since I ran faster than I wanted, and I was towards the front of the runners I missed some of the animals I would have seen if I were walking or running slowly. My husband on the other hand said he saw more animals than I did.
The zoo portion was fun! It brought me back to my Walt Disney World Marathon running through the parks <3 No, it’s not Disney, but running in an empty park with neat things to see all around reminded me of my beloved runDisney races. Though I only saw a cougar in the zoo during the run, it was still a unique experience. I haven’t explored the zoo much during normal hours, so I wasn’t 100% sure what to look for. At the end of the race, I saw zebras and a few animals backstage near the finish line.
Post Race
On the course, there were water and aid stations. At the finish, they had water, fruit, hot chocolate, and protein shakes. I used the bathroom, which was an actual bathroom located in the zoo. I was very tempted to buy some ice cream, but In the end, I didn’t get it since it was $7.00 (yikes!). Instead, I noshed on the post-race snacks. Near the finish line they brought out a miniature horse that participants could pet. Unfortunately, he was gone by the time my husband and kiddo finished.
I watched as my husband finished the race with my babe on his shoulders. They had a great time and everyone was all smiles. We snacked a bit and then headed home.
Is the Nashville Zoo Run Run Worth it?
The Nashville Zoo Run Run is a unique race experience. I enjoyed running through the zoo and seeing all the families dressed up for the costume contest. There were more activities to do that we didn’t take advantage of, like the play area, zip line, and stretching session. If you are interested in running the race, do it! Though if you have never been to the zoo and are excited to check it out via the race… probably make a separate trip so you can really see the animals. This race wasn’t great for animal viewing, it was more about the event itself. Though if you want to see animals, try walking or taking it slow to have a better chance!
Overall, I enjoyed my run and I am glad my entire family got to experience it. It was our first race as a family, and I know we will be doing many more in the future! Next time we participate maybe I will take it easy, or even walk so I can enjoy it even more!
Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Don’t forget to share the “2023 Nashville Zoo Run Run Race Recap” by using the pin below!
