Bronx, N.Y. – January 13, 2011 – Calling all runners, walkers, and athletic hopefuls – it’s time to lace-up your running shoes to prepare for New York City’s wildest race: The Wildlife Conservation Society’s third annual Run for the Wild at WCS’s Bronx Zoo.
This year’s 5k-run/walk takes place on Saturday, April 30, 2011 and is dedicated to helping save penguins, which the Wildlife Conservation Society has been working to protect for more than three decades.
Run for the Wild registration is now open at www.wcs.runforthewild.org. Those who register during the month of January will receive the early-bird discount of $5 off regular registration fees.
Participants can choose from two different events. The 5k race for individual runners will begin at 8:30 a.m.; casual runners and walkers can take part in the Family Fun Run/Walk at 8:45 a.m.
The event promises a fun and exciting day for runners, walkers, spectators, and those who sponsor a runner. There will be plenty of post-run festivities, including refreshments, music, children’s activities, and more.
After the run, participants are invited to stay and enjoy the zoo and its animal residents for the rest of the day. Everyone is encouraged to visit the Magellanic penguins in the zoo’s Russell B. Aitken Sea Bird Aviary. There are many other wonderful exhibits to visit including Tiger Mountain, Madagascar!, and JungleWorld. Complimentary parking and admission will be provided.
Online registration is $30 for adults – $25 for those who register during the month of January – and children and seniors receive a reduced rate.
Those who are unable to participate in the event can still help WCS save penguins by making a donation online or sponsoring a runner or a team. Runners are encouraged to seek individual or team sponsors and will receive special Run for the Wild gifts for their fundraising efforts. For $30 in pledges runners will earn a Run for the Wild T-shirt; $100, a WCS penguin water bottle; $250, a limited edition Hard Rock Cafe pin; and $500 in pledges a will earn a plush penguin and a chance to name one of the penguins at the zoo. All pledges and donations provide much needed support for WCS field staff working to ensure a future for these beautiful aquatic birds.
The Wildlife Conservation Society works around the globe to save wildlife and wild places. Changing climate, overfishing, and habitat loss are some of the factors affecting penguin populations. Of the world's 17 penguin species, 12 are experiencing serious population declines with some facing extinction within the 21st century. WCS is committed to ensuring a future for penguins where they live, including Punta Tombo on the coast of Argentina, home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in the world.
This event will sell out, so register early. For more information, to register, or to sponsor a runner/team, visit www.wcs.runforthewild.org.
WCS’s Run for the Wild is made possible by the following generous sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor:Con Edison
Featured Sponsor:Fisher-Price®
Supporting Sponsors:Aquafina, Benjamin Moore, Hard Rock Cafe, Monroe College, UBS
Media Partner:ABC7
Contact: Max Pulsinelli – 718-220-5182; mpulsinelli@wcs.orgSteve Fairchild – 718-220-5189; sfairchild@wcs.org
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world’s largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth.
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Adult admission is $16, children (3-12 years old) $12, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $14. Parking is $13 for cars and $16 for buses. The Bronx Zoo is conveniently located off the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 6; by train via the #2 or #5 or by bus via the #9, #12, #19, #22, MetroNorth, or BxM11 Express Bus service (from Manhattan that stops just outside the gate.) To plan your trip, visit www.bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.
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