Lace up your sneakers and get ready to run or walk for the good of our feathered friends. Mystic Aquarium will hold a 5k run and two-mile walk at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, 2010 to benefit our much-loved African penguins. Dogs and strollers are welcome in the two-mile walk.

The event consists of a 5k run on a trail, field and road course, two-mile walk and ¼-mile kids’ race. Click here to see a map of the course. The top individual fundraiser will be awarded an original piece of art created by the penguins, and the top fundraising team (consisting of up to 10 runners and/or walkers) will receive a Penguin Encounter program. The money raised will help support African penguin research and conservation efforts in Mystic and across the world.

To show our gratitude, all participants receive free admission to Mystic Aquarium on race day. The first 150 individuals to register online will receive free tee shirts, and all aquarium members who register online by October 6 will receive tees. (Not a member yet? Join now!)

The event also includes a middle school cross-country team competition. Contact Race Director John Trahan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.

For all other questions, contact Lisa Mazzaro at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Registration Fee:
Before October 8; Adults $20, children (3-13) $10, families (two adults and two kids) $50. Additional children $10 each.

After October 8; Adults $25, children (3-13) $15, families (two adults and two kids) $60. Additional children $10 each.

Online Registration is now closed, but you can still register on-site. 

Pre-registration check in and on-site registration times:

Friday, October 15 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, October 16 from 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. in front of the aquarium.

For a printable registration application, click here.

A special offer for all event participants:

The Residence Inn Mystic/Groton is offering a special overnight rate of $69. Please call 860.536.5150 and ask for the Penguin Run/Walk rate. Pets are welcome with a $100 non-refundable fee.