The Cheetah Chase 5K starts at 8:00 AM on June 27, 2026, so plan your arrival in Battle Creek the evening before to avoid early-morning travel stress. The race is held at 7400 Division Drive and offers both running and walking options for the 5K distance. Entry fees range from $50 to $70. This summer event gives you a straightforward race experience without the complexity of multi-distance logistics, making it easy to focus on your training goals before or after a weekend trip to southwest Michigan.
From the Race Organizer
About the Cheetah Chase 5K Event - June 27, 2026 Lace up your running or walking shoes for a 5K experience like no other! The Cheetah Chase 5K takes you on a dynamic course through the heart of Binder Park Zoo, featuring a mix of terrain—asphalt, brick, boardwalk, crushed rock, and grass—that keeps every step exciting. Wind through scenic Michigan woodlands, tackle a mix of hills, tight turns, and flat stretches, and take in stunning views of the African savanna, where giraffes, zebras, and antelope roam. More than just a race, your participation helps support wildlife conservation and the zoo’s mission to inspire a love for nature. Run wild for a great cause —sign up today! This event serves as a great platform for fundraising, playing a vital role in supporting Binder Park Zoo 's impactful conservation message and initiatives. Pre-Registration ONLY - Race Limited to 1,000 Participants Complete a registration form to enter the Binder Park Zoo Cheetah Chase event of your choice. Registration Dates & Fees All participants in both 5K events will receive a free day-of-admission pass to the zoo and their first Bell's beer for free (21 and up only). Special Pricing Dates: (for the Gazelle Gallop-5K Run and Sloth Walk-5K Walk) Early Bird Registration: Feb 7 - February 28 (11:59 pm) $50 Pre Registration: March 1 - June 20 (11:59 pm) $60 Late Registration: - June 21 - June 27 (Day of Race) $70 Registration Fees Include: Race Registration, performance race shirt, zoo pass for the day, and first Bell's beer free at the brew station for adults over 21 years of age (other option available for participants under 21). Friday Early Packet Pickup Reduce your time in line with early packet pick-up. From 4pm to 6pm on Friday, June 26th, we will have early packet pick-up in the Cross Administration Building (Zoo Office). Participants may also register on Friday during packet pickup if space is available. Saturday Event Times 6:30 am - Gates Open 6:45am to 7:45am - Packet Pickup. 7:30am - Gates to zoo entrance closed to prep for race - be here before 7:30am to park in zoo lot. 8:00am - Race Start for the Gazelle Gallop (5K Run), Sloth Walk (5K Walk). Post Race Cool Down After The Race. Last participant must cross the finish line by 9:30am. Bell's Beer Stations – open during Cheetah Chase and also on zoo grounds all day Tee Shirts: Please Note: To be guaranteed a race tee shirt, participants must register before Friday, June 19th. Age Categories 14 years & younger, 15-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70 years & older Awards and Results Prizes for the Gazelle Gallop and Sloth Walk will be awarded to: 1) Top Overall Male, 2) Top Overall Female, 3) Top Master Male & Female, 4) Top Three Males and Females per Age Category. Top overall male and female master excluded from age category awards. Results will be LIVE on RunSignUp and posted during the event On Site and later in the day at www.macssportstiming.com. Event Timing Gazelle Gallop and Sloth Walk timing provided by Mac's Sports Timing. LIVE RESULTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. Also results will be posted during the race. And Go to www.macssportstiming.com for final results. Donations Please go the extra mile and make a donation while registering to help support Binder Park Zoo cheetah conservation programs and our mission to Connect. Inspire. Conserve. Connect people with nature. Inspire them to conserve. (*Donations are not required, but greatly appreciated.)
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for June 27.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Battle Creek, MI.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
Cheetah Chase 5K 2026 — Battle Creek, MI takes place on June 27, 2026. The race is held in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Where is Cheetah Chase 5K 2026 — Battle Creek, MI held?
Cheetah Chase 5K 2026 — Battle Creek, MI is held at 7400 Division Drive in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Where can I find hotels near Cheetah Chase 5K 2026 — Battle Creek, MI?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Battle Creek. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
