Parts of Colchester Zoo to close for popular Stampede event

The event, organised by RunThroughUK, supports the zoo's charity, Action for the Wild. 

As part of the course runners travel through the zoo for 1km before heading out on to local roads. 

They later return and finish at the zoo. 

Everyone who takes part gets free entry into the zoo after the race and a medal. 

Visitors will be able to support the runners at a limited number of points in the zoo. 

The event takes place on Sunday October 10. 

Read more >> Elephants watch on as runners lace up their shoes for popular Stampede 10k

Some areas in the zoo may be closed for a period of time. 

A zoo spokesman said: "As part of the race, the runners will be running some of the course through the zoo, with the start line being between Kingdom of the Wild and Elephant Kingdom and continue for a short distance around the lower area of the zoo before heading out on to local roads, they will then return running through the lower end of the zoo to cross the finish line at the event village located in the zoo car park.

"Although the zoo will be open as usual for visitors from 9.30am, some areas of the zoo will be cordoned off throughout the morning as the race takes place.

"We aim for the zoo to be fully accessible and open to visitors from 1.00pm. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation."

Closed areas during the morning will include (but are not limited to):

• The path leading down to tigers will be closed from Dragons of Komodo
• The walkway leading to ‘Sensation Station’ and ‘Familiar Friends’ will not be available from the point of ‘Koi Niwa’
• The bottom of our ‘Waterhole’ catering outlet and the path which runs past the aardvarks and around the lake
• The Lost Madagascar Express Road Train will also be closed on the day of the race until midday.
• Catering outlets next to Tiger Taiga will also be closed for the morning.

For any enquiries regarding the Stampede email info@colchesterstampede.com