Chester Zoo’s 10k run will help save giraffes in Africa

Chester Zoo has revealed plans for a new 10km, 5km and one mile running event - with 2,500 places now up for grabs.

Run For Nature will take place on Sunday 21 September 2025, with funds raised supporting the zoo’s charitable conservation efforts to protect highly threatened giraffes.

Following the success of similar sold out events in 2023 and 2024, participants will this year take on a brand new route - winding through more of the zoo than ever before. Runners will be able to enjoy glimpses of elephants, lemurs and other incredible species, before heading out into the picturesque Cheshire countryside.

The zoo is inviting runners of all abilities to take part, with a new 5km run added to the ever-popular 10km and one-mile ‘Zoom’ fun run for children aged 4 - 15.

With only 2,500 places up for grabs, organisers say the event is expected to sell out quickly as runners race to support a very special cause - the zoo’s giraffe conservation efforts in Africa.
 
All proceeds will go directly towards protecting Nubian giraffes, which have seen drastic population declines in the wild due to habitat loss, poaching and conflict with humans. The money will support the zoo’s vital conservation work in East Africa, which is safeguarding the species for the future.

Runners will also receive a wooden medal at the finish line and free entry to the zoo for the remainder of the day, giving them the chance to relax and celebrate their achievement among 30,000 amazing animals.

Sarah Jones, Fundraising Lead at Chester Zoo, said:

“We’re thrilled to be bringing back Run For Nature for a third incredible year. We’ve now doubled the distance runners spend inside the zoo, so they’ll pass by even more iconic animals – a really special experience you won’t get anywhere else. 

“Not only that, but each person will be supporting our giraffe conservation projects in East Africa, which include monitoring populations in the wild, supporting anti-poaching efforts and working with communities to safeguard vital habitats. This work has already seen the safe translocation of several Nubian giraffes to protected national parks in Uganda to help the species thrive.

“Whether you're running the full 10km, taking on the 5km challenge, or joining in the Zoom run for kids, there really is something for everyone and each route is relatively flat, so be prepared for a new PB! Registration is now open for all three events, so just sign up online and we’ll post everything you need straight to your door – complete with your bib number and fundraising information. We’re expecting places to go fast, so don’t hang around!”

Top fundraisers will also be in with a chance to win a variety of prizes including annual zoo memberships, animal adoptions and special behind-the-scenes zoo experiences.

To register for Chester Zoo’s Run For Nature 10km, 5km, or Zoom fun run, visit: 

www.chesterzoo.org/run