Run to the Shrine

Course Info / Safety:

Quick Info

There are no official timing services; Run to the Shrine is a fun run/walk.
Course distance: approximately two miles uphill and two miles back down into the Zoo.
Course elevation gain: nearly 1,000 ft.

Safety

• Bring your own hydration. There will be water stations at mile markers 1, 2 and 3 on the race course, but bring your own water/water bottle for access to constant hydration. (Remember the elevation gain!)
• For the safety of all participants, we do not allow skateboards, roller blades/inline skates/Heely's®, bicycles or pets in the Zoo or on the Run course.
• Bring layers. The weather can change quickly on the mountain. We recommend bringing a warm removable layer and rain protection.
• A True Mountain Experience: Shrine Road is an historic mountain road that extends beyond Zoo-maintained property. While we do a general safety check of the course before this event, some conditions and elements, like weather, are outside of our control. Here are some points to keep in mind:
     • Staff and volunteers with radios for emergency communication are available at volunteer water stops along the course. An ambulance is on-site for the event, to address minor medical needs or transport guests who need further medical attention to nearby hospitals.
     • Shelter from inclement weather will not be available along the course.
     • We are unable to efficiently or safely transport participants – unless there’s a medical emergency – while the course is open (5 to 7:30 p.m.).
     • This is not a timed event. If you do not wish to begin your ascent upon your arrival due to weather or any other concerns, you may begin anytime before 6:30 p.m. (All participants must be off Shrine Road and back inside the Zoo by 7:30 p.m.) If you don’t wish to participate at all, please be aware of our no-refund policy. (You will still have access to the Zoo and our post-race expo, and can still claim your shirt if you decide not to participate in the course above the Zoo.)

Race Expo:

Lodge at Moose Lake | 5 – 8 p.m.

Military Discount:

Choose Military registration for $5 off non-member race registrations or spectator tickets for active duty, veteran and retired military personnel, spouse and dependents living in the same household. Discount must be chosen at time of purchase; discount will not be applied retroactively. Cannot be used with any other discounts. Proper military ID must be shown at Admissions on race day. 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

If proper ID is not provided, the remaining balance of a race-day ticket will be charged at Admissions that day.

Senior Discount

Seniors must bring a valid photo ID showing their age of 65+ to validate their discounted senior tickets at the gate. If proper ID is not provided, the remaining balance of a non-senior ticket will be charged at Admissions that day.

Member Discount Pricing

Select the applicable member ticket when registering. Bring your ID to show at Admissions on race day in order to to validate membership status for your member registrations and spectator tickets.

Member pricing cannot be used with any other discounts. Discount must be used at time of purchase; discount will not be applied retroactively.

If proper ID is not provided, the remaining balance of a non-member race-day ticket will be charged at Admissions that day.

Refund Policy

Refunds or exchanges for paid registrations and spectator tickets can be granted up to two weeks prior to the event date. (Please note: Race Roster processing fees are non-refundable.) No refunds or exchanges after Friday, May 2, 2025. Run to the Shrine will take place rain, snow or shine. No refunds or transfers for inclement weather. Please email [email protected] to request a refund or exchange.

Rules, Regulations & FAQs

– Race registrations are limited. Advance registration is required; no registrations available at the front gate. No complimentary passes or coupons will be accepted.
– 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.
– Updated Stroller Policy for 2025: We love our family participants! We strongly recommend reviewing our general course and risks information, especially before selecting a stroller to bring. Due to the course’s extreme mountain grade (which includes steep drop-offs and some areas without guardrails), we only allow jogging strollers that have a wrist or waist tether and hand brakes on the course above the Zoo. We will check to make sure your stroller meets those two requirements before we allow you to continue past the top of the Zoo, but beyond that, you are responsible for your family’s 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.
– A True Mountain Experience: Shrine Road is an historic mountain road that extends beyond Zoo-maintained property. While we do a general safety check of the course before this event, some conditions and elements, like weather, are outside of our control. Here are some points to keep in mind:
   • Staff and volunteers with radios for emergency communication are available at volunteer water stops along the course. An ambulance is on-site for the event, to address minor medical needs or transport guests who need further medical attention to nearby hospitals.
   • Shelter from inclement weather will not be available along the course.
   • We are unable to efficiently or safely transport participants – unless there’s a medical emergency – while the course is open (5 to 7:30 p.m.).
   • This is not a timed event. If you do not wish to begin your ascent upon your arrival due to weather or any other concerns, you may begin anytime before 6:30 p.m. (All participants must be off Shrine Road and back inside the Zoo by 7:30 p.m.) If you don’t wish to participate at all, please be aware of our no-refund policy. (You will still have access to the Zoo and our post-race expo, and can still claim your shirt if you decide not to participate in the course above the Zoo.)
– 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.

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!

Vendor Registration

For more information, contact our Special Events Manager at 719-424-7847 or email [email protected].

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.