Zoo Knoxville Red Panda Run 5K
Knoxville, Tennessee · Saturday, May 30, 2026
The Zoo Knoxville Red Panda Run 5K is a 3.1 miles, 5k, gravel, running, and walking event held on Saturday, May 30, 2026. It is located at 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive in Knoxville, Tennessee.
- Date
- Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Location
- 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive
Knoxville, Tennessee
37914
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps
Red Panda Run 5K
Lace up your running shoes and get ready for a wild adventure at Zoo Knoxville’s brand-new Red Panda Run 5K, a unique race experience that begins and ends inside the zoo. Participants will race past some of the zoo’s most iconic habitats while supporting wildlife conservation.
The Red Panda Run kicks off at the Boyd Family Red Panda Village and takes runners on a scenic three-mile journey through Zoo Knoxville and neighboring Chilhowee Park. Along the course, participants will pass tigers, gibbons, rhinos, great apes, and the all-new Timber Loop Boardwalk. Two on-course water stations will be available to keep runners hydrated.
Age group winners will receive exclusive Red Panda swag, and the overall winner, along with their family, will enjoy a special meet-and-greet with one of Zoo Knoxville’s resident red pandas on race day.
All race participants will receive:
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A commemorative Red Panda Run T-shirt
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Official Red Panda race bib
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Zoo admission on race day
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Discounted zoo admission for spectators
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Post-race refreshments at the Sugarland’s BARn
Spectator tickets will be available for $20 the week before the event. Spectators will remain in the main plaza during the race, with clear views of the starting line, Mile 2 marker, and finish line. Spectator admission includes access to the post-race party and zoo admission for the day.
Packet Pick Up
Friday May 29th 3 - 6 p.m. @ Zoo Knoxville
Race Day Schedule
7:00 a.m. — Registration and Main Plaza open
8:00 a.m. — Race begins
8:30–10:00 a.m. — Post-Race Party at Sugarland’s BARn
Registration Fees
$40 — Member Registration (February 27–March 3)
$40 — Early Bird Registration (March 4–March 24)
$45 — Tier 1 General Registration (March 25–April 28)
$50 — General Registration (April 29–May 24)
$60 — Day Before/Day Of Registration (May 25–30)
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just looking for a fun way to experience Zoo Knoxville, the Red Panda Run offers a memorable course, family-friendly atmosphere, and the chance to celebrate one of the zoo’s most beloved species.
FAQs
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Walkers with strollers are welcome and will start in the last coral. Keep in mind that the course covers uphill, downhill, gravel, asphalt, and concrete surfaces.
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The Red Panda Run Welcomes All Ages:
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Children under age 3 are free to accompany registered parents, children will need a signed waiver. Extra waivers will be available at registration.
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Children aged 3-13 must be registered and have a registered adult accompany them.
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Member Spectators must purchase a discounted spectator ticket. Spectators will remain in the main plaza during the race and can explore the remainder of the zoo after 9am. General Spectator Admission is $20, Member Spectator Admission is $10, Spectator Children under 3 are free. Registered Runners will receive information on purchasing spectator admission tickets the week before the race.
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Please note, pets are not allowed on Zoo property and all service animals must be registered at the Zoo Ranger Station.