Walk with us to the Will Rodgers Shrine - 4miles

Join us for the 4-mile (~6.4K) course that curves through the Zoo, up to the Shrine of the Sun and back down into the Zoo, providing some of the most stunning views in the Pikes Peak region.

Plan on meeting up with the group for packet pickup and intros. Do NOT RSVP, if you do not plan to come see the group before and afterwards, as this is a meetup to experience a fun event together.

This annual Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tradition is an important fundraiser AND the only time of the year that guests are allowed to travel up the historic road to the Shrine of the Sun by foot.

Link to register:
Get all the details and register now at cmzoo.org/run.

You'll have a breathtaking experience as you journey through the Zoo and ascend nearly 1,000 feet, enjoying stunning views of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and the city below. Participants also get a commemorative Run to the Shrine T-shirt and admission to the Zoo until the event ends at 8 p.m.

Schedule:
Plan to arrive early for parking to meet the group at the entrance before 5, so we can grab our shirts together and start the race shortly after 5pmish
5 - 8 p.m. | Race Expo (see info below)
5 - 6:30 p.m. | Start time window (there is no official start time)
6:30 p.m. | Course entrance closes
7:30 p.m. | Course closes to all runners/walkers; remaining participants will be cleared from the course in a race vehicle
8 pm. | Zoo closes (don’t forget to leave time to visit animals with us!)

Race Expo:
Lodge at Moose Lake | 5 - 8 p.m.
Pick up your runner T-shirt
Say hi to our amazing sponsors, vendors and volunteers.
Pick up your pledge gift if you raised $100 or more.
Purchase food and beverage next door at the Grizzly Grill.

Event location
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Capacity for Run to the Shrine is limited. Advance registration is required; no registrations available at the front gate.

Bring layers. The weather can change quickly on the mountain. We recommend bringing a warm removable layer and rain protection. Bonus points for picking up your commemorative T-shirt at the Race Expo before starting up the hill!
Bring your own hydration. There will be water stations at mile markers 1, 2 and 3 on the race course, but bring your own water/water bottle for access to constant hydration. (Remember the nearly 1,000 foot elevation gain!)

Bring your registration barcode and confirmation number with you the day of the event. Reception on the mountain is sometimes spotty, so print your confirmation ahead of time or take a screenshot to save paper.

Bring your ID if you have a senior, member or military ticket/registration. If proper ID is not provided, the remaining balance of a race-day ticket/registration will be charged at Admissions that day.

No refunds or exchanges after Friday, April 24, 2026. Refunds or exchanges for paid registrations can be granted up to two weeks prior to the event date. Please email specialevents@cmzoo.org to request a refund or exchange. (Please note: Race Roster processing fees are non-refundable.) Run to the Shrine will take place rain, snow or shine. No refunds or transfers for inclement weather.

Receive 100 or more in donations to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and receive our NEW Run to the Shrine race socks as a thank you! Or choose one of our legacy pledge gifts (quantities are limited and may not be available on race day): long-sleeve performance shirt, water bottle or Eco-Ware utensil set. Only one gift per runner. (Even if you don't think you'll raise extra funds for the Zoo, please choose a gift. You will receive the gift if 100 is raised in your name.)

Do not forget to update your RSVP, if you can no longer attend, so that we know whom to expect. Communication is key in all events.

I am not a trained leader, and by going to this event, you agree that you are responsible for your own safety and absolve me of any liability and have read the entire event description, as well as information on their link and email confirmation.

Thanks to their Run to the Shrine partners, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Drive Toyota, Raising Cane's and Scheels for their support! CMZoo is one of very few AZA-accredited zoos that does not receive tax support, so events like this help keep the Zoo 'running!'

We look forward to seeing you at Walk to the Shrine with us!