Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle

Event Overview

Join the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and Fleet Feet Montclair for a wild morning of miles and fun!

• Date: Saturday, October 17
• Time: 8:30 AM
• Location: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
• Course: 3-mile course (or 1.3-mile Safari Shortcut)

Get ready to waddle, run, or walk your way through a course before crossing the finish line inside the Zoo for a one-of-a-kind celebration!

Post-Run Activities

• Zoo Admission: Post-run Essex County Turtle Back Zoo admission is included with registration. Stick around after the run to explore and say hello to the animals.
• Registration Bonus: The first 300 participants to register will receive a custom pom-pom beanie (a $35 value).
• Family Fun: This event is perfect for the whole family—whether you sprint like a cheetah, stroll like a tortoise, or waddle like a penguin, everyone’s invited to join the fun.
• Encouraged Attire: Costumes, animal spirit, and family smiles are highly encouraged!

ZOO MEMBERS

• Spectating: Zoo members do not need to purchase a spectator pass to enter the Zoo early. Show proof of your valid Essex County Turtle Back Zoo membership at packet pick-up for early admission.
• Participants: Already registered or planning to sign up? Reach out to Maddie at maddie@fleetfeetmontclair.com with valid proof of Essex County Zoo Membership to waive or refund the Zoo admission portion of your registration fee.

Packet Pick-Up

• Early Pick-Up (Recommended): Fleet Feet Montclair – 603 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043 on Friday, October 17 from 2:00 – 6:00 PM.
• Event Day Pick-Up: Location TBA on Saturday, October 17 from 7:30 – 8:30 AM.

Spectators

Want to cheer on your family and friends at the finish line inside the Zoo?

• Entry Requirement: Spectators will need an Official Spectator Pass to enter the Zoo early before it opens to the public.
• Discounted Rate: We’re offering a special discounted $10 rate (normally $22) for the spectator pass.
• Availability: Day of spectator passes will be available for purchase at the start and Zoo entrance.

Parking

This is a point-to-point run. The start is near The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex, and the finish is in the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo.

• Closest Parking: Parking closest to the start is across Cherry Lane at the Oakdale Parking Lot in the South Mountain Reservation.
• Additional Parking: There are additional parking lots and garages throughout the South Mountain Recreation Complex.

This is not an official race. There is no event timing. Details are subject to change.

For more information, visit the official race page.