Cheetah Chase 5K 2026

The Cheetah Chase 5K guides runners and walkers through Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan. The race begins in the early morning after the zoo gates are closed for setup. This is a pre-registration 5K with a limit of 1,000 participants, offering two events: the Gazelle Gallop for runners and the Sloth Walk for walkers. The event benefits the zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts. The course remains within the zoo grounds, featuring varied surfaces including asphalt, brick, boardwalk, crushed rock, and grass. Runners will encounter hills, sharp turns, and level sections, along with views of the African savanna habitat, home to giraffes, zebras, and antelope. Registration provides a day pass to the zoo, a performance shirt, and a complimentary Bell’s beer for those 21 and older. Awards are presented to overall and masters winners, as well as the top three finishers in each age group from 14-and-under to 70-plus.