Sign up for Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals

The Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals steps off at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 6, in Wheaton's Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., making it the 34th year of this community event that supports the ongoing conservation, animal care, and public education programs at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton.

The electronically-timed, USATF-certified, Cara-registered race welcomes 2,500 runners each year, making it one of the largest in the Chicago suburbs.

Cosley Run for the Animals 5K/10K and Zippity Zoo half-mile events are hosted by the Cosley Foundation to raise funds for the development and renovation of exhibits at Cosley Zoo.

"Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals has a long and rich history in the community, going back more than 30 years. Starting as a small neighborhood run, the race has transformed into a premier event thanks to the support we receive from participants, sponsors, and the Cosley Foundation," said Sue Walgren, director of Cosley Zoo.

Mark Lathrop, who has been a Cosley Zoo Foundation board member for the past six years and race participant, said, "The course for the Cosley Run is great, taking the runners through the older section of town. There is a lot of neighborhood support."

In the past few years, the Cosley Zoo Foundation has used funds from events like Run for the Animals to expand the zoo. For example, in 2013-2014, the zoo installed a coyote viewing deck and created a Nature Play space for children to engage with their natural world.

"With so many of us living in urban areas, it's easy to lose our connection with our natural world and an understanding of how truly integral animals are to our lives and ours to theirs," Walgren said.

"It is because of funds earned through events such as the run that Cosley Zoo is able to provide important educational opportunities to the public and world class care for our animals."

The first 2,500 runners receive a long-sleeve tech T-shirt. Post-race includes music, awards, and refreshments. Fee for the 5K/10K is $35 through June 1; $15 for the ½-mile Zippity Zoo run for ages 6-12. After June 1, fees go up. Registration is available through active.com until June 1 and during packet pickup from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 4 and 5 at the Community Center, 1777 S. Blanchard St., Wheaton.

For more information about Cosley Zoo, visit cosleyzoo.org.