Rain or shine, the Toledo Zoo’s beloved Dart Frog Dash presented by Buckeye Broadband is back on Saturday, May 17! This annual community favorite combines fun, fitness and wildlife in a unique experience that winds through the Zoo and its surrounding neighborhood.
Scheduled with something for everyone, the event features a competitive 5K race, a more casual 5K walk, the lively Kids’ Fun Run and an inclusive Zoo For All Walk. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just enjoying the day with family and friends, there’s a place for you in this family friendly event.
The 5K route takes participants beyond the Zoo gates, into the neighborhood west of the Zoo, through the scenic Tembo Trail, and finishes in the heart of the Main Plaza. Meanwhile, the Kids’ Fun Run and the Zoo For All Walk offer a safe, stroller-friendly option entirely within the Zoo’s grounds.
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Registration includes both Zoo admission and parking, adding even more value to this feel-good event. All participants are asked to park in the Anthony Wayne Trail lot on race day.
Spectators are more than welcome to cheer on their favorite racers! Zoo members can enter free of charge, while non-member spectators can take advantage of reduced admission:
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Adults: $16
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Children & Seniors: $13
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Parking is free for all.
Planning to attend with a group? Group registration is available for the 5K and Zoo For All Walk — just call 419-385-5721 ext. 2078.
Packet pick-up will be held on May 15 & 16 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Dave’s Running Shop, located at 5700 Monroe Street in Sylvania.
To ensure everyone’s safety and keep the event running smoothly, the Zoo is coordinating with the Toledo Police Department. Streets along the course will close briefly in a “rolling pattern,” reopening as soon as the final participant passes through.
So lace up your running shoes, grab your family, and don’t forget your sense of adventure — the Dart Frog Dash is more than just a race; it’s a wild way to kick off your spring!
