FAQ
WE'VE GOT ANSWERS
Didn’t find the information you were looking for on our events or information page? Check out some of our frequently asked questions to see if we have an answer for you. If you still have questions, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Starting Line (all races): On Main Street just south of Seminary Avenue (east of Memorial Park)
5K & Kids' 1/2 Mile Finish Line: Seminary just west of Main Street
10K Finish Line: Wheaton Avenue just north of Union Avenue
Packet Pick-Up: Thursday, May 30 at the Wheaton Park District Community Center (1777 S. Blanchard, Wheaton) from 10A to 7P.
Race Bundles: The Race Wheaton race bundle is available through June 1. Challenge yourself to run throughout 2024! Start off with the Superhero Fun Run in April, tackle the Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals in June, and finish strong with the festive Reindeer Run in December.
Will race registration be offered at packet pick-up or on race day?
Online registration is open through race day morning and is highly recommended. However, you can also register online at packet pick-up and race day morning.
What is the refund policy?
All race registrations are non-refundable. In the event of an in-person race cancellation, runners may opt to to transfer to the virtual run or defer their race registration.
Race Day Check-In & Packet Pick-Up, Gear Check, First Aid, Post-Race Party, and Washrooms located at: Memorial Park (208 W. Union, Wheaton, IL). All participants are welcome to redeem the tear off from their run bib for a complimentary beverage at Memorial Park after the race.
Kids' 1/2 Mile Info: This race is open to children ages 4-10. Children ages 5 and younger who are participating in the Kids' 1/2 Mile race must be accompanied by a parent or responsible guardian aged 14+. Parents and guardians do not need to pay for a 1/2 Mile race registration. All children participating in the 1/2 Mile race must be registered and paid.
Parking: Participants are encouraged to walk or bike to the race. The Wheaton Bicyclist and Pedestrian Commission will be hosting a Bike Valet from 6:30-11A at the corner of Wheaton Ave. and Union Ave.
If driving, participants are encouraged to use the parking garage located between N. Wheaton Avenue and N. Hale Street. Street parking is limited. Limited handicap accessible parking is available in the parking lot of Gary United Methodist Church. Please enter this lot from Wesley Street.
First Aid: Minor first aid is available in Memorial Park at the First Aid Booth near the park entrance on Karlskoga Avenue and Hale Street. For serious incidents, please call 911.
Course Details: Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals is a USATF certified course. The course winds through the streets of downtown Wheaton. The 10K will include Northside Park as part of the route. The 5K course closes to runners/walkers at 8:30A, the 10K course closes at 9A. A course map will be available at cosleyzoo.org. USATF Certification Numbers: IL14055JW and IL14054JW.
Race Results & Awards: Results will be posted upon completion of each event at Memorial Park. Awards for overall and age category winners will be handed out during the Post Race Party. Overall awards and age category awards will be based on chip time.
Overall first, second and third place awards will be given to the top male and female finishers in both the 5K and 10K (chip time).
Age category awards are given to the top three male and female finishers per category in both the 5K and 10K: 10 & under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80 & up.
Medals: All 5K, 10K & Kids' 1/2 Mile participants will receive a finisher medal at the Finish Line.
Results: Race results can be accessed by scanning the QR code on your race bib and will be posted at cosleyzoo.org shortly after the race.
Safety: For participant's safety, NO bicycles, in-line skates, or other-wheeled vehicles (except wheelchairs or other accessibility devices). Strollers ARE allowed, but all runners with strollers must start in the designated stroller corral at the end of the race. Animals are NOT permitted on the race course or in Memorial Park (except for service animals). Service animals must be registered at least one week in advance.
Inclement Weather: The run is held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather before the race start, the race director may postpone or cancel the race. Pre-race inclement weather announcements will be made on the Cosley Zoo and Wheaton Park District websites and social media outlets; via e-mail to all registered runners; and through public address announcements. If severe weather occurs while on the race course, please follow course officials and/or emergency personnel's instructions. No refunds will be given in the rare event of a race cancellation due to severe weather or other uncontrollable circumstances.
Why does the Race Wheaton schedule look different this year?
After ten successful years, we and our valued partners at FT Cares Foundation made the decision that we will not be hosting the Light the Torch 5K in 2024. Thank you to everyone who has previously participated, sponsored or volunteered at the Light the Torch 5K. We look forward to still seeing you at the Lion Charities Reindeer Run!
VIRTUAL RACE FAQ
What is a virtual race?
A virtual race is self-timed and can be completed by participants on their favorite outdoor run/walk route or on a treadmill. There is no official race route or start time.
Virtual race course?
There is no official race course. Runners/walkers may select their own 5K or 10K routes or may complete their registered distance on a treadmill.
Will virtual runners be allowed to participate in the in-person race?
Race staff and volunteers will not allow runners without an official race bib onto the course. Virtual runners may change to the in-person race by contacting Race Director Kaitlin Lizik at klizik@wheatonparks.org or 630-510-4961.
Virtual race timing
The virtual Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals is self-timed. To have your time included in the race results, runners/walkers must submit their results by the end of the day on 6/10/2024.
Recording/Posting race results
Race results are recorded by the runner/walker directly on the registration website by logging in with the email address and password used for race registration. Participants can also email their time to klizik@wheatonparks.org. If emailing your time, please be sure to include your name, distance (5K or 10K ) and time (hour, minutes, seconds).
Questions: Please contact Kaitlin Lizik at klizik@wheatonparks.org or 630-510-4961.
