Saturday, July 25, 2026
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
1-mile walk starts at 6:30 pm
3-mile run starts at 7:00 pm
Join us for this exciting collaborative experience! This evening event will take place at Point Defiance racing through Five Mile Drive and finishing up the last bit of the course through the Point Defiance Zoo!
- This course is stroller and family friendly.
- Animals will not be out for the event.
Entry Fee (1-mile and 3-mile)
- May 13 – July 6: $20
- July 7 – July 23: $25
- July 24 – July 25: $30
If you’d like to purchase a shirt or long sleeve tee you can do that separately:
Purchase a Shirt-
Volunteer at this Event
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Calling all volunteers help us set up, assist with registration, or become a water station aid at this year’s race! Fill out our volunteer interest form below or click here to view in another window.
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Become a Vendor at this Event
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Becoming a vendor with Parks Tacoma is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your products or services to a diverse audience and contribute to the lively atmosphere of our gatherings.
- Download and fill out Step 1 and 2 of our Vendor Event Application
- Once filled out, submit your Vendor Event Application by emailing [email protected]
- Once submitted, Parks Tacoma representative will reach out to confirm your application
Contact Us: If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at [email protected].
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Course Map
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Click here to view the course map in another window. Page 1 is the 3-mile and page 2 is the 1-mile course map.
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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
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What time does the run/walk start?
The 3-mile run starts at 7:00 pm on Saturday, July 25. The starting line will be right in front of the zoo and the finish line will be in the zoo on the main promenade area.
The 1-mile walk starts at 6:30pm on Saturday, July 25 The walk will begin inside the zoo gates and finish in the zoo on the main promenade area.
What is the event fee?
3-Mile Entry Fee:
- April 27 – May 12 : $15.00
- May 13 – July 6: $20.00
- July 7 – July 23: $25.00
- July 24 – July 25: $30.00
1-Mile Entry Fee:
- April 27 – May 12: $15.00
- May 13 – July 6: $20.00
- July 7 – July 23: $25.00
- July 24 – July 25: $30.00
If you’d like to purchase a shirt or long sleeve tee you will do that separately at the link below.
Purchase a ShirtHow long is registration open?
Registration is open from April 27 until July 24.
- If we are not at our maximum capacity at this time, we will be taking day of registrations.
- We will be taking day of registrations from 6-6:45 PM.
Where to park on the race day?
There will be parking available in the Point Defiance Zoo parking lot. We recommend carpooling. Please do not leave valuables in cars.
When can I pick up my race packet?
Only 3-mile participants need to pick up their race packet. This will include your bib and a race sticker.
Packet pickup will be at the Point Defiance Pagoda on July 24 from 12-5 pm. There will also be day of packet pickup starting at the Parks Table in front of the zoo at 6:00 pm.
Will there be a day of registration?
If we are not at our maximum capacity at this time of participants, we will be taking day of registrations.
- 3-Mile: We will be taking day of registrations from 6-6:45 pm.
- 1-Mile: We will be taking day of registrations from 6-6:30 pm.
What do I get with my registration?
Both 3 Mile and 1-Mile participants will get a sticker. 3-mile participants will also get a commemorative race bib.
You do not get a t-shirt with your race entry. If you would like to purchase a t-shirt, please follow this link where proceeds go directly to the PDZA AAK.
Will the race be timed?
- 3 Mile: Participants will be chipped timed.
- 1-mile: Participants will not be timed.
Do the top participants win anything?
3 Mile: The top male, top female, and top non-binary participant will be recognized. Winners will need to stick around to receive this and capture a photo.
Can my dog run with me?
Not this time! Since we will be going into the zoo, your dogs will not be able to join this time.
Is the course stroller friendly?
Yes, this course is stroller friendly and will be entirely paved trails.
What if I cannot make the race anymore?
We’re sorry to hear that you cannot participate anymore in the race. Please contact our Parks Tacoma Race Crew who will talk you through the next steps. The contact information is [email protected] or 253-213-2394. If you decide to withdraw from the event on or after July 10 you will only be eligible for a 50% refund. No refunds will be given for withdrawals on or after July 24.
Will all the animals be out?
Since the race is so late in the evening, most of the animals will not be out for the event as they will be in their enclosures ready for bedtime. The penguins, musk ox’s and the red wolves will still be out, and you’ll have a chance to spot them while you’re running or walking by.
Will there be bag check at the race?
We will not be offering bag check at the race.
Are we partnering for this race?
Yes, we are partnering with Point Defiance AAZK for this event. Half of the proceeds from the race will be going to their association to support conservation and professional development for their members. Scan the QR code in your race bag for more details about Point Defiance AAZK and how to donate or reach out to [email protected] for further information.
What is our refund policy?
If you decide to withdraw from the event on or after July 10 you will only be eligible for a 50% refund. No refunds will be given for withdrawals on or after July 24.
Further questions?
Please reach out to our race team at [email protected] or 253-213-2394 for additional questions or support.
Together for Conservation – One Entry at a Time
Half of the entry fees goes to support the Point Defiance AAZK to support conservation and professional development for their members. July is Zookeeper Awareness month so, “Owl Together Now” let’s support a fun and meaningful cause.
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