The Safari Zoo Run is one of the most enjoyable runs for families. We had such a fantastic time last year that we were very excited to sign up again this year.

Why do we love the Safari Zoo Run so much? Well, simply put, it’s not like other runs. Here are the reasons:

1. Running with Nature Experience: There’s just something about running through nature and best of all, seeing animals along the way. Living in urbanised Singapore, very few of us can afford the luxury of running through the woods, let alone meeting its inhabitants. This run gives busy families the opportunity to create unique memories while promoting a healthy lifestyle of exercising together. Moreover, running beneath the thick canopy of the mature trees provides a dense cool shade that other urban-based runs lack.

2. An ‘Authentic’ Running Experience: Unlike urban runs, the Safari Zoo Run’s race routes meander through undulating terrains traversing through the grounds of the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari and the River Safari. It mimics closely a run through the wilderness. Runners have to navigate uphill, downhill slopes which add to the thrill and allow us parents to model resilience and perseverance for our kids.

3. Value-added Experience: After the run, participants can visit the Zoo and the Night Safari for free throughout the race weekend by showing the race bibs (one person per race bib). In addition, participants enjoy 50% off admission charges to the River Safari and the Jurong Bird Park. This gives families the added bonus of spending time at the great attractions managed by Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

This year, we enrolled in the non-competitive 5.5km Family Run where Daddy can pace Dana, and we can stop whenever when we see an animal of interest to snap some photos before we continue running.  I pushed Buddy in his stroller as he is too young to run on his own. The highlight for all runners was when we saw Jubilee, the new baby Giraffe as well as the new Ah Meng! How fun!

The Safari Zoo Run 2016 has an even more special place in our hearts as it’s the very first run where Dana ran 5.5km all on her own (without any proper training!). It’s also the very first run where all 4 members of our family participated. It was not a walk in the park (I admit) but I am so glad I finished the run and collected the medals with my husband and kids. Here’s to more family runs on the ‘wild side’ to remember by!

FAQ about the Safari Zoo Run:

1. Do we really run through the Zoo?
Answer: Yes, we ran through the main parts of the Zoo and parts of the Night Safari and the River Safari.

2. Do we get to see the animals? Can we stop to see the animals?
Answer: Yes! You will see the animals of the Zoo and Night Safari.  You are most welcomed to stop and say ‘Hi’ unless you’re in the competitive categories, you may just want to complete the run in good timing and return later. The animals are in fact quite active in the mornings!

3. You mean we can return to visit the Zoo later?
Answer: Yes, your race bib entitles you to visit the Zoo and the Night Safari on the same day for free! You can also visit the River Safari and Jurong Bird Park at 50% off.

4. Is the run safe? Do we run in the forest?
No, you don’t run in the forest (although you certainly feel like it!) but on properly paved roads.  As such it is completely safe. There are lots of race marshalls along the route to guide runners as well as water stations at every 1km route marker. In fact, the thick canopy of the trees provide a nice cool shade for the entire run. For run categories with larger sign-up like the family runs, the organizers will do the flag-off in waves to minimize congestion along the route. That makes it even more safer.

5. Is parking a problem?
For two years in a row, we’ve arrived about 90 minutes before the run (you are required to report 60 minutes before the run) and we could find ample parking in the Zoo’s sheltered car-park. There are also free shuttle services to alternative parking venues and MRT stations.

6. Can I push my child in a stroller?
Yes, strollers are allowed in the family run category but for safety reasons, no other wheeled devices (e.g. scooters) are allowed. 

7. Are the eateries in the Zoo open?
Yes, the entire ground functions as normal so the usual eateries in the zoo (e.g. KFC, Ah Meng Restaurant etc…) are open.

8. What souvenirs will we receive from the run?
Every participant who completes the race will receive a special Safari Zoo Run race medal which can be a talking point for your kids in years to come!

Here’s a short video of the highlights from our Safari Zoo Run 2016:

Read our Safari Zoo Run 2015 Experience here: https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2015/02/the-safari-zoo-run/