Norton Audubon Hospital presents
16th annual 5K Run/Walk that takes participants past the animals

The 16th annual Throo the Zoo 5K Run/Walk, presented by Norton Audubon Hospital, will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2009. Proceeds benefit the Louisville Zoo, which is dedicated to its mission of bettering the bond between people and our planet.

This is one of Louisville’s most unique road events, because the course does not go around the Zoo, but “throo” the Zoo! Runners, walkers and animal lovers of all ages are encouraged to participate. Strollers are welcome, too! (However, no roller blades or pets are allowed.) 

The race begins at 8 a.m. sharp and special registration is required. Registration forms can be completed online at http://www.louisvillezoo.org/events/throozoo.htm.

Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches on Dutchmans Lane will host a pre-race party Thursday, May 7, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m. to allow race participants to pick up their race packets, plus it is the last chance to register in advance at the discounted $25 registration fee. This celebration will also allow visitors the opportunity to meet some of the Zoo’s very own animals.

Registration fees are: $25 if postmarked by May 6 or by registering at Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches on Dutchmans Lane May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.; $30 on May 7 or 8 at Fleet Feet on Bardstown Road from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and $35 at the Zoo the day of the race from 7 to 7:45 a.m. in the bus parking lot. The registration fee includes delicious healthy post-race refreshments, door prizes and FREE Zoo admission for the day.

Door prizes will be drawn at the finish line area around 9:30 a.m., or when the last walkers have finished the course, and this year’s grand door prize is free lunch for a year (one lunch per month) compliments of Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches!

Mail registration forms and fees (which should be made payable to the Louisville Zoo) to: Fleet Feet Sports, 1500 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40205.

The 5K distance has intermediate hills (USATF-sanctioned) directly through the Louisville Zoo, with the start on Trevilian Way and the finish on Zoo grounds. 

No race packages will be mailed. Advance pickup of race numbers, T-shirts and instructions will be available during the pre-race party at Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches on Dutchman’s Lane on May 7 from 5 to 7 p.m., Fleet Feet on Bardstown Road on May 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. or at the Zoo on race day, beginning at 7 a.m.

The first 1,300 participants to register will receive a special commemorative T-shirt that features a specially designed illustration of a rhinoceros by Ralph Bergmann.

The coveted Ostrich Egg Award will be presented to the first place male and female runners. Other awards include:

• Top 4 males, (second, third, fourth, and fifth place)—not eligible for age groups

• Top 4 females, (second, third, fourth, and fifth place)—not eligible for age groups

• Top 3 males and top 3 females in age groups: 9 and under; 10-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29;30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70 and over

• Top male and female Master and Grandmaster awards

Throo the Zoo is presented by Norton Audubon Hospital with additional support by Calistoga Artisan Sandwiches, Coca-Cola, Fleet Feet Sports, Vitaminwater, The Vitamin Shoppe, Asics, CBS Outdoor, Whole Foods Market, Wolter Chiropractic, Heine Brothers’ Coffee and Ralph Bergmann.

For more information on other Zoo events, visit http://www.louisvillezoo.org/events/.

 

ROAD CLOSURES: Trevilian Way from Ridgeway Avenue to Illinois Avenue, north to Russell Avenue and south to Sheridan Avenue will be closed at 7:45 a.m. for the race course until the last person enters the Zoo, around 10 a.m.