The inaugural Run For Wildlife 5K proved to be a success for Busch Gardens Tampa. Over 1400 runners showed up early in the morning to brave this 3.1 mile course. It was a chilly morning, but the spirits of event organizers and runners alike were high and warm. The chip timed race is a first for Busch Gardens Tampa. The race provides participants to run through the winding pathways of the park while supporting animal conservation rights worldwide. 
As the runners and family members awaited the race to start , the Christmastown elves made an appearance to both support the runners and advertise the upcoming family tradition called Christmastown. The elves were not the only surprises for the runners that morning either. Alex the lion and Gloria the hippo were outside of Madagascar in Stanleyville greeting and cheering the runners on to the finish line. Skipper, Rico, Kowalski, and Private also were outside providing encouragement and being there for the few photo ops a runner or two wanted to have. The Christmastown elves were smiling at the finish line with cheerful glee as every runner finished their race.
Everyone had a personal best record for this race to improve upon the next year, but the individual winner for the men was Josh with a time of 16:08. The women's overall winner was Adrian with an overall time of 19:03. 
After the race the runners were able to show off their medals, eat some snacks provided by Busch gardens, and pose with elves and family for their photos. The runners also got admission to the park that day to enjoy the wildlife that they were running for in a more personal, slowed down manner.
The Run For Wildlife 5k proved to be a great offering by Busch Gardens Tampa and I look forward to see it come back in years to come. The message that is sent forward from this race as well as the fun the runners get in seeing the park in a unique way provides a great educational benefit to the participants. The exposure also helps the Sea World & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. The Sea World & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit fund organization founded in 2003. Since its creation, over $11 million in conservation grants has been provided to over 800 organizations. If you would like to help this wonderful fund you are able to donate directly through their website. If you are a passholder or fun card holder you can go to guest relations and ask to have a hard plastic card for an additional $5 and every penny goes toward the fund. That is a perfect way to donate and have something that is always with you when entering the parks.
