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June 4 run helps Cosley Zoo care for animals

The annual Run for the Animals 5K/10K and half-mile Zippity Zoo Run through downtown Wheaton step off on Saturday to raise money to care for the animals at Cosley Zoo.

Marking its 35th year, the run is one of the zoo's biggest regular fundraisers, supporting the development and renovation of its exhibits and the stewardship of its 150-plus animals representing more than 60 native Illinois species.

The event takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 4.

For the first time, the Chicago Area Runners Association named the event a 2016 Runners' Choice Circuit Race, which includes such other storied events as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and the Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile. This recognition reflects the race's local heritage.

"The Run for the Animals is the granddaddy of the Wheaton Park District's four races, beginning 35 years ago before there were many for people to choose from," said Sue Wahlgren, director of Cosley Zoo. "The run has also established itself as one that is very well-organized with wonderful volunteers, providing runners with a great experience year after year."

Wahlgren says it's the cause that sets the Run for the Animals apart from other races and draws participants back year after year.

"I believe knowing the money comes back to a great facility that serves so many people and provides excellence in animal care is a great motivator," she said.

Cosley Zoo was accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums last September for the fourth consecutive time, continuing a tradition started in 2000 with its first accreditation. Accreditation occurs every five years. Nationwide, fewer than 10 percent of USDA-licensed animal exhibitors earn it.

"There really is no such thing as reaccreditation," Wahlgren said. "It is like starting over each time. You don't get any 'passes' because you were accredited previously."

The Cosley Foundation - which the run's proceeds benefit - helps the zoo achieve accreditation by developing its facilities and services, Wahlgren said.

"The foundation has been responsible for every capital project at the zoo since 1987 when we constructed the Vern Kiebler Learning Center," she said. "As one of the foundation's biggest annual fundraisers, the Run for the Animals is critical to the success of the zoo."

Those capital projects include the bobcat exhibit that opened in 2012 at the zoo's north end, the adjacent rabbit and chicken exhibits, and the clinic that allows the zoo to care for its animals on-site.

Each year, the Run for the Animals attracts more than 2,500 runners, joggers, walkers, and zoo supporters, many of whom have participated and visited the zoo for decades.

"Many in this area have grown up coming to the zoo and are now bringing their own children," said Natasha Fischer, education manager. "We have a wonderfully loyal base of supporters who help the zoo in many ways throughout the year, including buying their Christmas trees and pumpkins here as well as participating in the Run for the Animals."

Both race routes start at the corner of Seminary Avenue and Main Street in downtown Wheaton at 7:30 a.m. and wind through residential Wheaton. The 10K route makes a loop through Northside Park.

Kids can dash through the half-mile Zippity Zoo Run, which starts at Seminary Avenue and Main Street, turns east on Franklin Street, heads south on Scott Street, and finishes westward at its starting line. The Zippity Zoo Run begins at 8:45 a.m.

Overall winners and age division awards will be given for the 5K and 10K. All Zippity Zoo participants will receive an award at the finish line.

Registration costs $38 on Wednesday and Thursday, June 1 and 2, and $40 on race day. Registration for the Zippity Zoo Run cost $20. To register, see cosleyzoo.org/events. For questions, contact race director Ryan Miller at (630) 510-5135 or rmiller@wheatonparks.org.

If you go

What: Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals

When: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 11

Where: Seminary Avenue and Main Street, downtown Wheaton

Cost: $38 for 5K and 10K on June 1 and 2, $40 race day; $20 Zippity Zoo Run for kids

Register: cosleyzoo.org/events

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