Oklahomans are invited to make strides for monarch conservation, participate in an evening fun run through the OKC Zoo!
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, in partnership with Red Coyote and Boldt, invites Oklahomans to lace up for a wild evening of running through the Oklahoma City Zoo, with proceeds going towards the Zoo's monarch butterfly conservation efforts.
“We’re delighted to host Red Coyote’s Zoo Run Club for another event and welcome our new partner, Boldt, to be part of this running celebration for conservation,” said Oklahoma Zoological Society Executive Director, Mandy Heaps. “These events continue to be incredibly popular within the community. You have the unique, scenic course that the Zoo provides plus, a meaningful way for fans to take action for conservation and make a difference for Oklahoma’s wildlife and wild places. It’s a winning event all around!”
Join the OKC Zoo and Red Coyote for this one-of-kind experience running through the Zoo’s beautiful 100-acre park on Thursday, August 27 at 6 p.m. The run is an approximately 3-mile course through the Zoo that’s ideal for running enthusiasts of all paces and abilities. Online registration is required and open now at Red Coyote Zoo Run Club. Capacity is limited to 1,500 runners so register early.
Proceeds from registered runners will be directly supporting the OKC Zoo's monarch butterfly conservation efforts, helping protect these iconic pollinators and their habitats. The first $5,000 raised will be matched with a generous contribution by Boldt, providing professional construction services in Oklahoma since 1984.
Every runner making their way through the OKC Zoo will have the chance to experience the park in a whole new way while supporting wildlife conservation here in Oklahoma and around the world. The focus and timing of this running experience coincides with the start of fall migration for monarch butterflies. Oklahoma provides vital habitat for monarch populations that funnel through the state each spring and fall during their annual migration from central Mexico to southern Canada. OKC Zoo also leads research on monarchs and other pollinators in Oklahoma, provides funding and training for schools to create pollinator gardens through the Living Classrooms Grant Program, leads a rare milkweed headstart program, and provides funding for collaborative monarch conservation efforts throughout Oklahoma.
Participants will also be able to demo footwear for a chance to enter to win prizes and runners, 21 and older with proof of ID, have the opportunity to sample Boldt Brew, a custom Belgian blonde ale made by Iron Monk Brewing Company.
Both runners and monarchs will be flying through the Oklahoma City Zoo for the Red Coyote Zoo Run Club event on Thursday, August 27, 2026!
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, Zoo admission can be purchased at the park or online at Admission Tickets. Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, and TikTok, and through the Zoo’s Blog. Zoo much fun for one day? Zoo more with a ZOOfriends membership! Members enjoy free admission to the Zoo for 12 months, plus exclusive benefits and discounts while supporting the Zoo’s animal care and conservation initiatives locally and all around the world. Learn more and become a member today at www.okczoo.org/membership .