It's a bit of a beast. - The Monkstown Spartans are proud to host The Mane Event

RACE REGISTRATION - ENTER HERE

Race registration is now: Open.  

Online Entry closes: 30th March 

Register with SiEntries here


ENTRY COSTS

Non-affiliated runners 16+ : £20

 Affiliated runners 16+ : £18 

Non-affiliated runners 12 - 15 yrs : £15 

Affiliated runners 12 - 15 yrs : £13

*Entrants are capped at 350

Additional T-shirt option: You will have the option to purchase a race t-shirt for an additional £10

RACE DESCRIPTION


THE MANE EVENT - 5Km, 12yrs+, 9am start 

Curious apes of all sorts observe in awe as a madness of runners (official collective noun) begin a steep meandering ascent through the Zoo gates to the top of the Zoological Gardens, backdropped by stunning panoramic views of the Cave Hill and Belfast Lough. Of course what goes up, must come down, but don't worry, you will get to do it all over again.  2 laps of the Zoo paths, finishing at the playpark by the flamingo lake to get your 5k reward. The run will be timed for 60 mins after which the event will come to a close.  Any runner not through the finish line at this time will receive a time of 59.59

There will be no water stations on the course but water will be available at the finish line. There will be 4 dedicated St. Johns Ambulance staff on course

SPECTATORS - In position for 9am start please

The event is a great spectacle for all, with encouraging hollers egging on the intrepid runners, many in creative costumes.  Spectaculars can now enjoy more of the madness as the new route sees the runners pass twice and finish within the spectator zone.

Belfast Zoo kindly offer 50% entry discount to all spectators, We would encourage all to bring a picnic and make a day of it to take advantage of this unique opportunity. More info and booking instructions here

 *NEW FOR 2025*

THE KILIMANJARO KILOMETRE - 1km, 4-12 yrs, 10:20am start
Younger runners can experience the thrill of the Zoo run with a 2 lap, 1 km run round the Savannah habitats.  Entry will be £5 cash on the day.

ADDITIONAL RACE INFO


TRANSPORT-The route is served by Translink Services 1 & 2.  There are ample parking spaces at the Zoo car park but  we encourage you to carpool where possible


FACILITIES AND BAG DROP - Portable toilets will be available at the registration area, please avail of these rather than asking for admittance to the Zoo facilities before the race start.

A bag drop will be available at the registration area.  Please again allow time for this.  Bags can be picked up after the race from the finish arena


THE FINISH ARENA - Runners will finish at the Zoo adventure play park.  This is a dynamic area and finishers will be encouraged to continue moving through the finish funnel to prevent a build op of runners unable to cross the line.  We appreciate your understanding in adhering to the marshals instructions here.

                                      CONCLUSION


MAKE A DAY OF IT -BRING A PICNIC! - Due to the nature of the venue we are unable to provide much in terms of post run refreshments, discounted breakfast will be available at The Lions Den Cafe.
We encourage you to enjoy the remainder of the day at the Zoo and ask that you respect the animals and the Zoo policies during this time.  


RACE PERKS


AND FINALLY -We are looking forward to providing a fun, safe and rewarding run for you all and have put our best efforts in place in order to do so.  The run will be well marshalled for your safety and direction.  Please take heed of marshals if they ask you to take extra care at certain sections of the course.  The Belfast Zoo is a hilly venue, we ask that you allow for a lot of walking up the steep hills and to take extra care with tight corners on the faster downhills sections.  We would advise that runners pass others on the right throughout the course so please keep left to allow for this where you can.


The Monkstown Spartans are proud to bring the only 5K race through the beautiful grounds of Belfast Zoo.


Let's Flamin'Go