Run to the Shrine

4-Mile Run/Walk - Run like an Animal!

Run to the Shrine has become an annual Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tradition, and it is the only days of the year that guests are allowed to travel the breathtaking road to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun by foot. The course offers amazing views of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods as you traverse four miles and ascend 1,000 feet up to the Shrine and back down to the Zoo. In addition, Run to the Shrine is an important fundraiser for the Zoo.

Highlights of Run to the Shrine

Your Entry Fee Includes:

A 4-mile course that curves through the Zoo, up to the gate of the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun and back down into the Zoo.
A breathtaking experience as you ascend almost 1,000 feet, with stunning views of Colorado Springs below.
A commemorative performance T-shirt, featuring this year’s animal mascot, available for pick up in Lodge at Moose Lake during the event.
Accommodations for jogging strollers with safety equipment (tethers and hand brakes required) for families.
Admission to the Zoo until the end of the event at 8 p.m.
It’s your only opportunity all year to travel the road to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun by foot!

Race Day Schedule
(subject to change)

5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Event Open
Event open via the Zoo's admission window. Advanced registration is required.
5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Run to the Shrine!
Enjoy the views as you ascend to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun and back down to the Zoo. Runners/walkers must start their trek to the Shrine by 6:30 p.m. (Shrine Road closes at 7:30 p.m.)
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Visit the Animals
Cruise the Zoo before or after your run and say hello to our residents.
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Pick up Your T-shirt
Pick up your commerative preformance t-shirt at Lodge at Moose Lake

Event Details

– Capacity for Run to the Shrine is limited. Advance registration is required for runners, walkers and spectators; no registrations available at the front gate.
– Once you enter the Zoo, you are welcome to stay until the event ends at 8 p.m.
– Runners/walkers must start up Shrine Road (past the top of the Zoo) no later than 6:30 p.m. Shrine Road will close to all runners/walkers at 7:30 p.m.
– Bring your own hydration. There will be water stations at mile marker 1, 2, and 3 on the race course, but bring your own water/water bottle for access to constant hydration.
– Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Grizzly Grill.
– Your commemorative performance T-shirt, featuring this year’s animal mascot, will be available for pick up in Lodge at Moose Lake. Donation gifts will also be available in Lodge at Moose Lake, for those who have raised $100 or more. While you’re there, visit the vendors at our Race Expo until 8 p.m.

Spectator Tickets

– Spectator tickets must be purchased in advance. No ticket sales at the front gate. Spectator tickets are not required for children age 2 & under. Tickets can be reserved via the orange button above. Spectator tickets do not include access to Shrine Road or any of the benefits of Run to the Shrine registration. These tickets are for CMZoo access during the event only. Only registered participants are permitted on the course above the top of the Zoo.

Military Discount:

Attention active-duty, veteran and retired military! Use promo code MILITARY24RTTS for $5 off registrations for you, your spouse and your dependents living in the same household. The military discount is offered to all active duty, veteran and retired military personnel. Military discount valid through May 14, or until race registration is full. Discount must be used at time of purchase; discount will not be applied retroactively. Proper military ID must be shown at Admissions on race day to validate your discount.

Bring any of the following to validate the discount for you, your spouse and your dependents living in the same household:
– A valid military/retired military ID
– A copy of your DD214
– Your state driver’s license printed with veteran indicator or military identifier
– Your ID issued by the VA, VFW or American legion
– A military spouse ID, if the military member is not present

Free Gift for Donations

Make your support of the Zoo go further

Ask your friends and family to join you by pledging a donation.

All donations will support important programs like:
– the care and enrichment of our animals,
– on-grounds breeding of endangered species like black-footed ferrets and Wyoming toads,
– conservation projects around the world, and
– education programs to foster a love of wildlife in our local youth.

By raising $100 or more, you’ll receive a FREE GIFT recognizing your commitment to the Zoo and conservation of wildlife (shown here).

Choose from:
· Long-sleeve performance T-shirt,
· Insulated water bottle, or
· Bamboo utensil set

(Details and instructions for pledges available after you register. Run to the Shrine race fee is not tax deductible, but any additional donations are tax deductible.)

Entry Fees

Check closer to the event for pricing details.

(Race registrations are limited. Advance registration is required; no registrations available at the front gate. No complimentary passes or coupons will be accepted.)

Rules, Regulations & FAQs

– Only registered participants are permitted on the course above the top of the Zoo.
– For the safety of all participants, we do not allow skateboards, roller blades/inline skates/Heely’s®, bicycles or pets on the run course.
– Jogging strollers with tethers & handbrakes are welcome for the race. Strollers without this specific safety equipment are only allowed on a small portion of the race course, and will be turned around at the top of the Zoo for safety.
– Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 2 & under are free as long as they remain in a stroller with the appropriate safety equipment (tether and handbrakes).
– All fees are non-refundable. Run to the Shrine will go on as scheduled rain or shine, so please come prepared for inclement weather.
– The race fee is not tax deductible, but any additional donations are tax deductible.
– Run to the Shrine will only include access to Shrine Road up to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun’s parking lot gate. Due to logistics, the Shrine grounds and buildings will be closed during the event.

Refund Policy

– Refunds or exchanges for paid registrations and spectator tickets can be refunded up to two weeks prior to the event date. No refunds or exchanges after Friday, May 3, 2024.
– Run to the Shrine will take place rain or shine. No refunds or transfers for inclement weather.

We Invite You to Host an Exhibitor Booth

Run to the Shrine features a family-friendly 4-mile run/walk/stroll, and we want your organization to be a part of it!
· High visibility, low overhead and big fun – the three key elements every organization looks for, Run to the Shrine guarantees all three.
· Connect with one of the MOST POPULAR attractions in Colorado Springs!

Contact our Special Events Manager at 719-424-7847 or email [email protected] for details.

Sponsorship Information

If you would like to be a sponsor for Run to the Shrine, please contact Jenny Koch at 719-424-7814 or [email protected].

All proceeds from Run to the Shrine benefit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.