Run to the Shrine

Date:
Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19, 2024
(Saturday, May 18 is SOLD OUT.)
Time:
5 - 8 p.m.
Ages:
All ages welcome (see stroller restrictions below)
Cost:
See entry fee pricing below
Parking:
Free at the Zoo
Elevation Gain:
Nearly 1,000 feet

RACE INFORMATION


Course Info / Safety
Day-Of Schedule
Pricing
Pledge Gift
Volunteer
Vendors

4-Mile Run/Walk - Run like an Animal!

Run to the Shrine has become an annual Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tradition, and it is the only time of the year that guests are allowed to travel the breathtaking road to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun by foot. The course offers amazing views of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods as you ascend nearly 1,000 feet up to the Shrine and back down to the Zoo. In addition, Run to the Shrine is an important fundraiser for the Zoo.

Highlights of Run to the Shrine

Please Note:
  • Capacity for Run to the Shrine is limited. Advance registration is required; no registrations available at the front gate.
  • Advance registration tickets are required for all run/walk participants over the age of 2. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children 2 & under are free as long as they remain in a stroller with automatic hand brakes and a tether (strollers without this safety equipment are not allowed on the race course for your child's safety). No registration necessary for children 2 & under.
  • Spectator tickets must be purchased in advance. No ticket sales at the front gate. Spectator tickets are not required for children 2 & under. Spectator tickets do not include access to Shrine Road or any of the benefits of Run to the Shrine registration. These tickets are for Zoo access during the event only. Only registered run participants are permitted on the course above the top of the Zoo.
  • The race fee is not tax deductible, but any additional donations are tax deductible.
  • 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 3, 2024. 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.

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!)
  • Jogging strollers must have a tether and automatic hand brakes for safety. Strollers without this specific safety equipment will be turned around at the top of the Zoo for safety, meaning they will not have access to most of the race course.
  • 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. Bonus points for picking up your commemorative T-shirt at the Race Expo before starting up the hill!

 

About the Course:

The Run to the Shrine race course starts by the gift shop, goes through the Zoo, up the mountain to Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, and back down into the Zoo. You’ll experience breathtaking views the entire time.

At the halfway mark, the Shrine parking lot, a themed photo booth and incredible views of the city below provide the perfect backdrops for your celebratory summit photos. The Shrine grounds and building will be closed during the event.

You can begin your ascent after getting your ticket scanned at the Zoo’s Admissions booths between 5 and 6:30 p.m. Plan to start closer to 5 p.m. if you need more time to complete the course.

Experience the course, the Zoo and the Race Expo in whatever order you’d like, but be sure to begin the race course no later than 6:30 p.m. and finish no later than 7:30 p.m. You can stay in the main part of the Zoo until the event closes at 8 p.m.

Race-Day Schedule:

(Subject to change.)

  • 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
    RACE EXPO (see info below)
    Lodge at Moose Lake
  • 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
    START TIME WINDOW (there is no official start time)
  • 5:30 p.m.
    OPTIONAL GROUP START (for those who want some fanfare to jumpstart their ascent!)
  • 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
    COURSE ENTRANCE CLOSES
  • 7:30 p.m.
    COURSE CLOSES to all runners/walkers; remaining participants will be cleared from the course in a race vehicle
  • 8 p.m.
    ZOO CLOSES (don’t forget to leave time to visit animals!)

Race Expo:

Lodge at Moose Lake | 5 – 8 p.m.

  • Pick up your runner T-shirt (featuring this year’s river otter mascot!)
  • Say hi to our amazing sponsors, vendors and volunteers.
  • Pick up your pledge gift if you raised $100 or more.
  • Purchase food and beverage next door at the Grizzly Grill.

Pledge Gift

Additional Support for the Zoo for an Extra Free Gift!

Make your support of the Zoo go even further! Ask your friends and family to join you in the support of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo by pledging a donation.

All donations will support important programs like:
– The care and enrichment of our animals,
– On-grounds breeding of endangered species like black-footed ferrets and Wyoming toads,
– Conservation projects around the world, and
– Education programs to foster a love of wildlife in our local youth.

When you raise $100 or more to support Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, you’ll receive an additional FREE GIFT, recognizing your commitment to the Zoo and conservation of wildlife. Choose from the following:

Choose from:
· Long-sleeve T-shirt,
· Insulated water bottle, or
· Bamboo utensil set

(You will receive an email with details for pledges after you register.)

Pricing

– Age discounts will automatically apply during registration.
– See below for information about military, senior and membership discounts, and refund policy.

EARLY REGISTRATION
Jan. 31 - Feb. 13		MembersNon-Members
Child (ages 3-11)$15$20
Youth (ages 12-17)$30$45
Adult (ages 18-64)$35$50
Senior (ages 65+)$30$45
REGULAR Pricing
Feb. 14 - May 12		MembersNon-Members
Child (ages 3-11) $20$25
Youth (ages 12-17) $35$50
Adult (ages 18-64) $40$55
Senior (ages 65+)$35$50
RACE WEEK
May 13 - 19		Members / Non-Members
Child (ages 3-11)$30
Youth (ages 12-17)$55
Adult (ages 18-64)$60
Senior (ages 65+)$55

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 3, 2024. 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.
– Jogging strollers with tethers & handbrakes are welcome for the race. Strollers without this specific safety equipment are only allowed on a small portion of the race course, and will be turned around at the top of the Zoo for 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.
– 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.

Volunteer

Help us provide a Zoo-rific experience for runners, walkers and spectators!

Possible Volunteer Positions Include:

– Water Stations throughout the course (have water cups ready to go for participants)
– Course Marshals (keep runners headed in the right direction and cheer them on!)
– T-shirt handout for runners/walkers in Lodge at Moose Lake-

Specific volunteer roles will be provided on event day, but plan on checking in at 4 p.m. and being at the event until 8 p.m. We will send you further volunteer details and arrival information closer to the event date.

Other Volunteer Details:
– All volunteers will receive a FREE Run to the Shrine volunteer shirt, featuring this year’s river otter mascot.
– Volunteers under the age of 13 are not permitted. Volunteers between the ages of 13 and 17 will need a parent, guardian or school advisor with them at all times.
– If you or a member of your group requires any accommodations, please let us know in the comments section of your registration.
– If you would like to volunteer for both Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, please let us know in the comments section of your registration.
– Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

To Register to Volunteer

Complete the volunteer registration for the day you would like to volunteer.

Volunteer for Sat. May 18

or,

Volunteer for Sun. May 19

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!

To Register as a Vendor: Run Vendor Registration
(This link is for both event dates; scroll to the bottom of the page to select how many days you would like to attend and insert your selected date(s) in the form.)

Contact our Special Events Manager at 719-424-7847 or email [email protected] for details.

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.

Special Thanks to Our Partners!

Visit Children's Hospital Colorado's Website
Visit Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers website
Visit Scheels Website
Visit Colorado Spring's Liberty Toyota's Website
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