Cheyenne Mountain Zoo hosts its 14th annual Run to the Shrine, featuring a waddling African penguin as this year’s event mascot, on Sat., May 14 and Sun., May 15, 2022. Saturday’s event is sold out, but there’s still room to join in the fun on Sunday!
Run to the Shrine is the only time of the year foot traffic is allowed on the road to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.
The 4-mile up-and-back course offers breathtaking views of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak as participants run by roaring lions and more through the Zoo, up to the Shrine and back. The challenging course, with a nearly 1,000-foot elevation gain, is good practice for competitive runners gearing up for summer races, and a fun challenge for weekend warriors and families. Runners and walkers are welcome, and jogging strollers equipped with automatic hand brakes and tethers are allowed on the course.
Registration includes Zoo admission for the evening, a commemorative performance T-shirt featuring Ivy, CMZoo African penguin, and access to a post-event celebration at the Zoo’s Lodge at Moose Lake. All proceeds help feed and care for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s animals. Since the Zoo doesn’t receive any tax support, community events like Run to the Shrine help keep the zoo “running.”
Fast Facts
Run to the Shrine at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 14 (SOLD OUT)
Sunday, May 15
4-mile run/walk through the Zoo, up to Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, and back to the Zoo
Advance registration is required.
Register now at cmzoo.org/run.
Run to the Shrine is sponsored by Children’s Hospital Colorado and Colorado Springs SCHEELS.
About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926. Today, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s mountain Zoo, offers comprehensive education programs, exciting conservation efforts and truly fantastic animal experiences. In 2021, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #3 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s goal to help guests fall in love with animals and nature, and take action to protect them. Of the 242 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just a few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.