Cheetah Chase 5K

About the Cheetah Chase 5K Event - June 27, 2026
Lace up your running or walking shoes for a 5K experience like no other! The Cheetah Chase 5K takes you on a dynamic course through the heart of Binder Park Zoo, featuring a mix of terrain—asphalt, brick, boardwalk, crushed rock, and grass—that keeps every step exciting. Wind through scenic Michigan woodlands, tackle a mix of hills, tight turns, and flat stretches, and take in stunning views of the African savanna, where giraffes, zebras, and antelope roam. More than just a race, your participation helps support wildlife conservation and the zoo’s mission to inspire a love for nature. Run wild for a great cause—sign up today! This event serves as a great platform for fundraising, playing a vital role in supporting Binder Park Zoo's impactful conservation message and initiatives.

 

Pre-Registration ONLY - Race Limited to 1,000 Participants
Complete a registration form to enter the Binder Park Zoo Cheetah Chase event of your choice.

Registration Dates & Fees
All participants in both 5K events will receive a free day-of-admission pass to the zoo and their first Bell's beer for free (21 and up only). 

Special Pricing Dates: (for the Gazelle Gallop-5K Run and Sloth Walk-5K Walk)

• Early Bird Registration: Feb 7 - February 28 (11:59 pm) $50
  
  
• Pre Registration: March 1 - June 20 (11:59 pm)  $60
  
  
• Late Registration: - June 21 - June 27 (Day of Race) $70

Registration Fees Include: Race Registration, performance race shirt, zoo pass for the day, and first Bell's beer free at the brew station for adults over 21 years of age (other option available for participants under 21). 

Friday Early Packet Pickup

• Reduce your time in line with early packet pick-up.
• From 4pm to 6pm on Friday, June 26th, we will have early packet pick-up in the Cross Administration Building (Zoo Office).
  • Participants may also register on Friday during packet pickup if space is available.

Saturday Event Times

• 6:30 am - Gates Open
• 6:45am to 7:45am - Packet Pickup.
• 7:30am - Gates to zoo entrance closed to prep for race - be here before 7:30am to park in zoo lot. 
• 8:00am - Race Start for the Gazelle Gallop (5K Run), Sloth Walk (5K Walk). Post Race Cool Down After The Race. 
• Last participant must cross the finish line by 9:30am.
• Bell's Beer Stations – open during Cheetah Chase and also on zoo grounds all day

Tee Shirts:

Please Note: To be guaranteed a race tee shirt, participants must register before Friday, June 19th.  

Age Categories
14 years & younger, 15-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70 years & older

Awards and Results

Prizes for the Gazelle Gallop and Sloth Walk will be awarded to: 1) Top Overall Male, 2) Top Overall Female, 3) Top Master Male & Female, 4) Top Three Males and Females per Age Category. Top overall male and female master excluded from age category awards. Results will be LIVE on RunSignUp and posted during the event On Site and later in the day at www.macssportstiming.com. 

Event Timing

Gazelle Gallop and Sloth Walk timing provided by Mac's Sports Timing. LIVE RESULTS WILL BE AVAILABLE.  Also results will be posted during the race.  And Go to www.macssportstiming.com for final results.

Donations

Please go the extra mile and make a donation while registering to help support Binder Park Zoo cheetah conservation programs and our mission to Connect. Inspire. Conserve. Connect people with nature. Inspire them to conserve. (*Donations are not required, but greatly appreciated.)