Run For Wildlife

Children are more than welcome to attend as supporters (tickets essential) but only those aged 16yrs and over can participate in the race.  

Only those with Run for Wildlife event tickets can gain entry to the event. 

No, Tesco tokens, SSE discount codes, and day entry voucher codes cannot be used in conjunction with special events. 

We have plenty of activities planned to keep supporters, big and small, happy while they enjoy the festive atmosphere. Keep an eye on our social media channels for special announcements!  

Due to the distance required the route includes steps, uneven ground and hilly areas. Dublin Zoo is over 190 years old and contains a number of old buildings and structures. All runners are welcome but we ask that participants only enter the race if they believe they are physically able to complete the course. Please consult your doctor if you have any doubts. 

No, tickets are strictly non-refundable as per our terms and conditions. 

Entry begins at 8:30am, please arrive with enough time to register, store your belongings, and make your way to the start line.  

The run kicks off at 9am. 

The course is 3km in length. 

The course includes steps, uneven ground and hilly areas. 

Supporters and participants should enter together from 8:30am onwards and before the start of the race (strictly 9am). Runners will head off to register while supporters can enter the designated supporter area. 

Save the Rhino International works to conserve all five rhino species, by supporting rhino conservation programmes across Africa and Asia. Dublin Zoo has been partnering with Save the Rhino since 2009, helping to save black and white rhinos in Zimbabwe, and Sumatran rhinos in Indonesia.

Poaching is still the greatest threat to rhinos worldwide, with at least one rhino still killed every day. Save the Rhino ensures that ranger teams have the kit they need to protect rhinos from poachers, while also championing community-led conservation, so people living near rhinos are inspired to protect wildlife and feel a sense of ownership for their natural heritage. 

Due to the width of roads and pathways it won’t be possible for supporters to line the route, instead there will be a dedicated supporter area for friends and family.  

There will be food and drink available on the day of the event. For runners, don’t forget your water bottle! Water fountains will be available along the route.  

There will be animals visible along the route, but some animals aren’t too fond of early mornings and may still be in their indoor habitats. 

Children aged 15yrs and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. If you are bringing your children along, please make sure you have purchased an Adult Supporter ticket so that another adult can supervise them while you take part.  

There will be a bag drop location available for use on the day. While all safety precautions will be followed, please be advised that belongings are left at the owner’s risk and Dublin Zoo accepts no responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen items.  

Yes, there will be toilets open for use before and after the run and in the supporter area for friends/family. A Changing Places accessible bathroom with changing table and hoist is located beside the supporter area. 

Guide dogs, assistance dogs, and domestic pets are not permitted entry to Dublin Zoo. 

We love your creativity but for animal welfare reasons we can’t allow participants or supporters to dress up.  

No, but you are welcome to track your time yourself. 

Yes, photographs and video will be taken during the event and may be used for promotional purposes by Dublin Zoo and/or our event partners. Both participants and supporters may appear in these photographs and videos. 

Dublin Zoo has no designated customer parking. Free parking is available within the Phoenix Park and this falls under the remit of the OPW and Park Superintendent’s Office. The nearest carpark is the Lord’s Walk carpark and spaces are also available along the North Road. 

Conservation is at the heart of everything we do here at Dublin Zoo and with your help we can support wildlife protection and habitat preservation. Funds raised will go towards creating a brighter future for black and white rhinos in Zimbabwe, and Sumatran rhinos in Indonesia. If you want to raise money for another charity, there are other races held across Ireland where this is possible and we would encourage you to do so.  

More information will be sent to customers via email prior to the event. For questions between now and then you can email info@dublinzoo.ie or call (01) 474 8900 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. If you don’t get an answer straight away please rest assured that we will respond as quickly as possible.