Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Penguin Waddle
Date and time
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Location
560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ
Date and time
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Location
560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ
Date and time
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Location
560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ
Join the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and Fleet Feet Montclair for a wild morning of miles and fun!
📅 Sunday, October 18 ⏰ 8:30 AM 📍 Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
Get ready to waddle, run, or walk your way through a 3.5-mile course (or take the 2ish mile Safari Shortcut) before crossing the finish line inside the Zoo for a one-of-a-kind celebration!
🎟️ 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. 🎁 The first 300 participants to register will receive custom pom-pom beanie (a $35 value)
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.
👟 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. Simply show proof of your valid Essex County Turtle Back Zoo membership at packet pick-up (either on Friday or event morning) for early admission.
PARTICIPANTS: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo members should use the $5 member promo code that was emailed by the Zoo when registering for the event. If you can't locate the email, please contact the Zoo or reach out to us before registering.
PACKET PICK-UP
Early Pick-Up (Recommended!) 📍 Fleet Feet Montclair – 603 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ 07043 📅 Saturday, October 17 ⏰ 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Event Day Pick-Up 📍 Location TBA 📅 Sunday, October 18 ⏰ 7:30 – 8:30 AM
SPECTATORS:
Want to cheer on your family and friends at the finish line inside the Zoo?
Spectators will need an Official Spectator Pass to enter the Zoo early before it opens to the public. We’re offering a special discounted $10 rate (normally $22) so you can join the finish line celebration and explore the Zoo afterward.
Day of spectator passes will be available for purchase at the start and zoo entrance.
PARKING:
Please park in the lots and parking decks at the Turtle Back Zoo.
This is not an official race. There is no event timing. Details are subject to change.
3.0 mi