Surprise Spring Training 5K and 1K Fun Run

Sanderson Ford Giraffe Jam Family Fun Run Saturday October 24, 2026 --- Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is excited to announce, Sanderson Ford Giraffe Jam Family Fun Run 2026. Giraffe Jam will be an 'almost a 5k' run/walk through the Zoo and will be Emceed by 12 News Troy Hayden. --- 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Save Giraffes Now, whose mission is to save giraffes from extinction so they can live freely and safely in the woodlands and savannas of their native Africa. 40% of the Giraffe population has declined in the last 3 decades, 50% or more of giraffe infants won't survive to adulthood, 4x as many elephants exist in Africa as giraffes and 3,800,000 square miles of historic giraffe habitat has been lost, an area ~ the size of the US! Join Wildlife World in helping raise money to stop the silent extinction of the world’s tallest gentle giants. Run/Walk through the zoo before we open to the public for the day, and have fun being surrounded by wildlife while supporting

this important cause. All race participants will receive a finisher medal, and included in each runner's bag, you will receive a coupon for half off zoo admission and half off rides, to use at your convenience. *To enjoy discounted admission, you must present your coupon at the gate --- For more information on Giraffe Jam Family Fun Run please email [email protected]

Bring out your four legged friend as this race truly is "for the

dogs". This year's event will feature a 10k, 5K and 1Mile

distances and will take place at Rio Vista Park to benefit AZK9 Rescue.

This event is completely dog friendly, complete with

doggy pools at each aid station!

Event details and schedule

10K Course Map

5K Course Map

1 Mile Fun Run Course Map

Mail-in Registration Form and Virtual Run Information

To register by mail please complete and return our Mail-in Registration Form!

Can't make it to this year's event but still want to participate? We are excited to announce our Running For the Bulls Virtual Race. A virtual race is a race that can be ran at any location. You can walk, use the treadmill, run outside or participate in another race. You can run your race at your pace wherever you like. All virtual race participants will receive a custom event finisher's medal and custom event shirt. All you have to do is register above and we will mail you your gear after the event! Please note your shirt and medal will be mailed after the completion of the event on October 4, 2026. Prior to the event all virtual participants will receive an email with instructions on how to submit your time.

Virtual Registrations are restricted to US addresses only. If you reside outside of the US and wish to participate please contact StartLine Racing at [email protected]

All Participants Receive:

Custom Event medal

Custom Event Tech Shirt

Male and Female Age Group Awards for Top Three in all Age Groups for the 10K and 5K events (race day participants only). Our age groups are the following:

8 & Under, 9 & 10, 11-13, 14-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over

Pre- and Post-Race "Runner's Brunch" (granola bars, fruit, water, Gatorade, etc) (Race day participants only)

Chip Timed with Real Time Results and Photos on our Website or Mobile App (on Apple and Google)

Event managed by StartLine Racing. Club SLR discounts do not apply.

Race Day Information

Race Day packet pickup will be available beginning at 6:00am at Rio Vista Park (map)

We accept cash, and credit cards on race day

Cost of registration on race day will be:

10K - $50

5K - $40

1 Mile - $30

We welcome wheelchairs, strollers, wagons and leashed pets!

No roller blades/skates, skateboards or motorized devices are allowed on the run or walk courses.

The course will take you through the multi use trails (all asphalt and concrete) of the New River Trail System, starting and ending at Rio Vista Park in Peoria - meaning no need for transportation before or after the race just to get back to your car! Please note - this is an open use trail system and does not close for our event.

This event will take place rain or shine. There are no refunds due to weather.

Packet Pick-up Opportunities

Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 2:00 - 5:00pm at TBD

Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Rio Vista Park (race location) beginning at 6:00am.

Event schedule

Sat, October 3, 2026 2:00 PM - Packet Pick-up at TBD from 2-5pm

Sun, October 4, 2026 6:00 AM - Race Day Packet Pick-up and Registration Opens

Sun, October 4, 2026 7:00 AM - 10K Run Begins

Sun, October 4, 2026 7:15 AM - 5K Run Begins

Sun, October 4, 2026 7:25 AM - 1 Mile Fun Run Begins

Sun, October 4, 2026 8:00 AM - Awards Ceremony Begins (approx.)