Running Zone presents $8,000 check to Brevard Zoo

MELBOURNE, Fla. — Recently, Running Zone presented an $8,000 check to Brevard Zoo, a donation from proceeds received from a 3K race held at the Zoo on Saturday, Feb. 15. This is the eighth year for Running Zone to host a race at the Zoo and to then donate the net proceeds.

To date, Running Zone has donated a total of $49,000 to Brevard Zoo. These dollars help enable the Zoo to acquire items needed by the animal department and support important conservation projects, according to Michelle Smurl, director of Animal and Conservation Programs.

This year’s race, the Meerkat Mosey, took runners on a 1.8 mile course that started at the front entrance, through the Zoo and into behind-the-scenes areas with plenty of animal-viewing opportunities along the way.

The 3K races at the Zoo are always animal-themed and bring a variety of participants including children and families. Due to the high number of participants in years passed, Running Zone and Brevard Zoo staff decided to hold two separate races - No Monkey Business (under 20 minute finish) and the Scenic Route (over 20 minutes). The free Li’l Meerkat Kiddie Run followed both races.

More than 1,150 runners participated in the race this year including 147 kids under age 14. In 2015, Running Zone will host the Zebra Zoom 3K at the Zoo on Feb 14.

For more information on Running Zone, please visit RunningZone.com.

WFTV