Do the Zoo Run Run for animals

By Times Staff Writer
Published September 17, 2007

Last year's Zoo Run Run at Lowry Park Zoo.
	[Courtesy of Lowry Park Zoo]

We can see the light at the end of the awful-hot-sticky weather tunnel. Humidity will drop within two weeks and temps will follow by mid October, says Bay News 9 weather guru Mike Clay. For more evidence, look no further than the calendar, where outdoor weekend events have again started to materialize. One of this weekend's more promising offerings is the Zoo Run Run at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo. Three things you might not know about the Saturday event:

1. Zoo Run Run is a 5K event designed to be fun for serious competitors (there are prizes for the top finishers) but also for families. The fast version starts at 8 a.m., followed by a Fun Run at 9:15 a.m. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Cost: $25 for the race, $10 for the fun run. Includes same-day zoo admission.

2. The animals don't seem to be bothered by the hordes of runners. About 450 people participated last year; organizers expect about 100 more this year. "We had 17,000-plus people in the zoo for $3 day last Sunday, so that is far more visitors," said zoo spokeswoman Rachel Nelson.

3. The run, which raises money for animal care and education programs at the zoo, started five years ago. It was the brainchild of several zoo staffers who love to run, crafted after similar events at other zoos.

Also saturday

- Dog swim day: Fossil Park Pool, 6739 Martin Luther King Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg, hosts its annual day for the dogs. Hours are 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Requirements: $5 per dog and vaccination records.

- Classic auto show: The free event showcases cars from 1976 and earlier. The Pier, 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg.

- Astronomy night: Check out the waxing moon with the St. Petersburg Astronomy Club. 8 to 10 p.m. at the Science Center, 7701 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. $5.

[Last modified September 17, 2007, 00:26:09]