Running Wild 5K

Running Wild 5K returns with virtual races through Dec. 1

Regis University will host the sixth-annual Running Wild 5K and 1-mile fun run virtually beginning Oct. 15. Participants have until Dec. 1 to complete the race. Don’t care to expend your energy? Sign up for Run Wild in Your Dreams and support endangered African wildlife from the comfort of your couch. You’ll still earn a T-shirt.

This year, participants also may choose to run a virtual 10K race. All participants receive a Cheetah-themed T-shirt. To register for this year’s event, please go to www.runningwildrace.org.

Running Wild events are dedicated to raising awareness about endangered African wildlife and to funding African wildlife conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetahs and giraffes are at particular risk for extinction. For example, among the 400,000 elephants that remain (from 1.3 million in 1981), it’s estimated that up to 33,000 are killed every year.

“Human behavior – poaching and illegally trafficking in African wildlife – is the main cause of these animals being at risk for extinction,” said Race Director Janet Rumfelt, Ph.D., chair of the Liberal Arts Department at Regis. “Habitat erosion due to human influences also contributes to wildlife declines.”

“Our races help provide funds to organizations that are on the ground in Africa working to protect animals and ecosystems,” Rumfelt said.

Running Wild has raised more than $30,000 for wildlife conservation. Proceeds from the family-friendly race are divided among these organizations: Wildlife Protection Solutions, the Cheetah Conservation Fund, the Big Life Foundation and the Africa Network for Animal Welfare-USA.