Virtually Running Wild with the Lincoln Park Zoo

Disclaimer: I am participating in the Lincoln Park Run for the Zoo as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
So as this whole Covid 19 Pandemic thing is happening, it has been easy to get a bit overwhelmed by all of the bad things that have come of it. This was me until just recently. All of the changes and losses had become a bit too much and looking on the bright side was getting harder and harder to do. But I've been trying to turn that around recently. I mean, I'm healthy, the people I love are healthy and ultimately that is what is most important. But there are some other bright sides that I've begun to notice now that I am focusing more on looking for them.

One of those bright spots have been the increase in cool Virtual Races. Virtual Races have always been around in some form or another, and have always boasted a variety of benefits (you can read more about my thoughts on that here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-benefits-of-racing-virtually.html) with more and more races that were location specific going virtual due to necessity, there have been more opportunities for runners to experience races that were otherwise unavailable to them. 

One of these races that I am excited for is the Lincoln Park Zoo Run for the Zoo 5K/10K. The Lincoln Park Zoo is an amazing Zoo located in the heart of Chicago that is free for all to enjoy. How they able to accomplish that is through fundraisers much like the Run for the Zoo race that will run for it's 42nd year this year. Unfortunately, they Zoo has had to close to help lessen the spread of Covid 19, but to help make sure that when they do open, they are able to continue to be free and open 365 days a year, they changed the event to a Virtual. 

Here's how the Virtual Run for the Zoo Experience works (info from the Lincoln Park Zoo Website): 

Enjoy the run wherever you are. Complete your distance at home on the treadmill or outside in your own community while practicing social distancing. Either way, you’re competing for your personal best while supporting Lincoln Park Zoo.

Run anywhere in your neighborhood, take photos, log your time and miles, and share your experience with us!  Email us your stories (events@lpzoo.org) and encourage your fellow running community members on the event page. Participants release liability to share submissions with the public.

All virtual 5K/10K participants will receive their packets in the mail. They will include a themed tech shirt, and those who make an additional donation of $25 or more will also receive a Supporter Medal. Please be sure to verify your mailing address during the registration process, as Lincoln Park Zoo is not responsible for misdirected packets.

Each week from April 6–June 7, a virtual 5K and 10K participant will be randomly selected and awarded with a special animal plush from the Gift Shop. 

In addition there are some really unique awards that all virtual 5K/10K participants can earn:

• 1st place male and female runner for the virtual 10K and 5K races will each receive a special animal plush from the Gift Shop. To qualify for this award, participants must submit a photo of GPS verification.
• In honor of the 42nd year of Run for the Zoo, the 42nd-place male and female runner for the virtual 5K and 10K races will each win a membership to Lincoln Park Zoo. (This will be based on the honor system.)
• In honor of the 152nd year of Lincoln Park Zoo, the 152nd-place male and female runner for the virtual 5K and 10K races will each win a large animal plush from the Gift Shop. (This will be based on the honor system.)

Register here before May 22 in order to participate: https://www.lpzoo.org/run-zoo

And, for an added bonus, I have a 10% discount code to share with you! Register with code BIBRAVE10 for 10% off your registration fee. And once you register, be sure to join the Facebook Event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/446240282720510/

My running bestie, Kim, and I have decided to do the Virtual together since we both are excited about this event. Hopefully by June 7th, things will be a bit better and we can actually meet up in person plan an event together. I will head over to her neighborhood where Kim is planning out a 5K route for us. She's doing the 5K and I will be doing it twice for the 10K distance. She's planned out a few cool things that I'll wait to share because if it all works out, it's gonna be awesome. Let's just say, there will be photo stops and an aid station and post race refreshments and food. I am super excited about it. Here's a quick run down of the race that Kim posted on her blog: http://barkingmadaboutrunning.blogspot.com/2020/04/lincoln-park-zoos-run-for-zoo-virtual.html

And be sure to swing by both here and Barking Mad About Running after June 7th to read our follow up posts on how our Virtual went!