2025 Predator and Prey 5K

A stylized logo of a cheetah and gazelle

This event is now sold out. 

Embrace your inner animal at the Predator and Prey 5K, hosted by the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Join hundreds of runners and walkers as you move for a mission: supporting the Zoo’s animal care and conservation programs.

Whether you sprint like a cheetah or pace yourself like a Przewalski's horse, this race through the Smithsonian's National Zoo is a true test of endurance and animal instinct.

Race Information

This is not your average 5K. It's a casual but challenging course, where racers will stride past animal habitats along scenic pathways and unpaved trails inside Zoo grounds. Expect plenty of hills: this run features over 170 feet of elevation change. 

General Registration  

  • Registrations for this event are now sold out.
  • Must be 18+ to run

Your participation in this event directly supports the Zoo's mission to save animals species and habitats. Each registration for the event comes with a T-shirt and a race medal.

About the Event

Sign-ups are no longer available.

  • $75 per individual
  • Must be 18+ to run
  • First 500 registrations only.
  • Limit one registration per order. Each runner should register under the account matching the naming on their ID. Account names will be used to verify the identity of runners at packet pick-up. 

Complete your waiver while you pick up your race packet at the Zoo Visitor's Center or in Parking Lot A. Check the Zoo map for details. Parking passes are not required for packet pick-up.

All participants MUST complete a waiver form and pick up their race packet prior to the event. 

Dates

  • Thursday, Oct. 2 | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 3 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 
  • Advance Parking: Parking is available for $25 when purchased ahead of time.
  • Day-of Parking: Available for $40 online or at the gate, subject to availability.
  • Members: Zoo Members with parking benefits can use those benefits to park on race day. Members must complete an online order in advance to use their parking benefits.
  • Refunds & Exchanges: Parking passes are nonrefundable. You can exchange a daily parking pass up to 48 hours before the event if you decide to walk, take the Metro, or ride the bus instead.

About the Course

The race takes place at the Zoo, a hilly and scenic landscape within Rock Creek Park that includes natural hills and sweeping vistas. The route starts near the Zoo's Harvard Street entrance, brings runners along the outer vehicle road and up the challenging North Road hill, and continues inside the Zoo. Racers should be on the lookout for animals as they speed past exhibits like the Asia Trail, Primates, Bird House, American Trail, and Elephant Trails — on a path usually  reserved for the animals themselves! Finish strong near Lion-Tiger Hill and roar across the finish line. 

Entrance: Runners who are driving should enter via our Connecticut Avenue entrance and park in Parking Lot D. Those walking or taking mass transit to the race can enter via Connecticut Avenue. Upon arrival, 5K tickets, parking passes and spectator entry passes will all be scanned in for admittance.

Start time: Race starts at 7 a.m. The entry gates will be open for runners from 6 to 7 a.m.

Starting Location: Starting line is at Parking Lot D (lower part of the Zoo). Upon entry, you'll be guided to the starting line by signs and event staff. See Zoo Map.

End time: 8 a.m.

After the race: Enjoy a complimentary drink from Port City Brewing Company (21+) and explore the Zoo at your own pace.

Additional guests participating as spectators need to secure their own free entry passes to show at the gate from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. All spectators will need an entry pass, including children.

There will be designated viewing areas for spectators at the end of the route. Please note: These areas are standing-room only — no seating will be provided.

Rain or Shine: This event will be held no matter what the weather. Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferrable. 

Age Minimum: Participants must be 18 years or older with a valid ID to enter the event.

Refunds: Per our terms of sale, all ticket purchases are nonrefundable.

If you have additional questions, contact the Events team at ZooEvents@si.edu.

Those who have purchased tickets will receive an email in late September with details about packet pick-up, the race day schedule, course information and more.