Take a Run on the Wild Side

The Akron Zoo is presenting the first of what zoo officials hope will become an annual Zoo Run and Wild Walk on Saturday, Aug. 25. The 5K run and 1-mile walk will take place on the scenic trails of the Sand Run Metro Park (Portage Path entrance), with proceeds going toward the zoo's general fund. "We would like to raise around $20,000," says race coordinator Wendy Thomas.

There will be free one-day zoo passes for all preregistered participants, T-shirts for the first 300 registrants and finish-line snacks. A host of zoo residents — including a boa constrictor, a red-tailed hawk, skunks and foxes — will be on hand to greet both runners and non-runners alike.

The registration fee anytime up to the day of the race will be $12, with a $15 fee on race . Zoo officials are also encouraging participants to raise pledges for the event, with a goal of $50 per participant. For more information, call the Akron Zoo at (330) 375-2550.