Cheshire attraction and leading conservationist Chester Zoo has put out the call for 2,500 runners to take part in a 10K run through its grounds to help endangered Asian elephants.
Dubbed the “10K Run for Nature”, the charity event will be held later this year. The Zoo is now encouraging runners from across the country to participate, with all skill levels welcome.
Those taking part will run a course that includes habitats for elephants, giraffes and giant otters, as well as Chester Zoo’s larger countryside estate, beyond the zoological gardens. For children aged under 12, there will also be a special one-mile run on the day, called the “Zoom Run”.
All funds generated from the event will go to the zoo’s tireless efforts to discover a vaccine for a lethal virus that is threatening elephant populations around the world, called Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV). Chester Zoo scientists are currently engaged in a worldwide pilot study to combat the virus.
Fundraising Lead for Chester Zoo, Hannah Wright, commented on the run:
“As a charity, fundraising is at the core of this event, but we also hope that it’s a great fun event that the whole family can get involved in – whether running, supporting, or sponsoring.”
All runners will receive a medal, and leading fundraisers will have the chance to win prizes that range from annual memberships and animal experiences to meal vouchers for The Oakfield, the Zoo’s gastropub.
The run will take place on Sunday, September 24.
