Run Wild Volunteering!

Event Summary

Run Wild will take place on Sunday, September 27th, 2026 rain or shine! It takes a lot of people to put on a fun and safe run for over 1,000 participants! Check out our opportunities below for individuals, pairs, small and large groups!

What to Expect

Individual Roles

Two volunteers wave ribbons along the zoo run race course.

The Routes & Stations
If you're interested in a pair or group role on the course, then check out our interactive Volunteer Course Map! Get a sense of where everything is an plan out your morning by finding the spots that are most interesting to to you.

Red Run Wild shirt (front: white polar bear; back: Volunteer in light blue)

Volunteer Perks

A free Run Wild Volunteer shirt
A short training a week or so before the event going over details of where to go, what to expect, who's who, etc. so you're fully prepared for the day
A 40% discount at all HVZ eateries for the day
A 30% discount at the HVZ gift shop for the day
Volunteer Update emails with news about animals, upcoming volunteer opportunities, events and more!

Volunteering For All
At HVZ we strive to make volunteering accessible to all by giving you as much information as possible and trusting you to know what is best for you. To that end, we've put descriptions of the physical & sensory environment under each role, where you can also find shift times and duty expectations. Please reach out to our volunteer department with any clarifying questions at all.

Weather Policy
Run Wild occurs rain or shine. In the event of truly inclement weather, we may cancel the event. We will notify volunteers asap via text in the event we need to cancel.

Volunteer Ambassador (5:30-9:30AM)

Shift: 5:30AM-9:30AM
Duties: Be the early bird! Welcome onsite volunteers & get them to where they need to go. Once volunteers are checked in and going, work with event staff to walk the grounds and make sure everyone has what they need to make a successful run!
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Must be able to switch from sitting to standing easily. Must be able to be on your feet/moving for the majority of the role.
Skills Requirement: Must be very comfortable with HVZ grounds, operating a radio and working somewhat independently. Must be comfortable introducing yourself, starting conversations and staying calm in hectic environments.
Volunteering for All: This role must know the zoo well, be comfortable communicating via radio with staff, and be able to stay flexible in changing conditions. This role is best suited for those who have volunteered in an ongoing role with HVZ previously.

Go-fer (6AM-9:30AM)

Shift: 6AM-9:30AM
Duties: We have a lot of things to set up the morning of the race. You may be called on to cut bananas & hand out food to runners. You may setting up tents or sound equipment. You may running supplies or directing guests. If you're flexible and just want to help with all the things, this is for you.
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Must be able to be on your feet/moving the majority of the role. Must be able to lift at least 30lbs.
Volunteering for All: This role must know the zoo well, be comfortable communicating via radio with staff, and be able to stay flexible in changing conditions. This role is best suited for those who have volunteered in an ongoing role with HVZ previously.

Guest Liaison (6-9:30AM)

Shift: 6AM-9:30AM
Duties: Run remote guest services tables in the middle of the zoo or at the start/finish line. Provide directions to guests, answer general questions regarding the race and the zoo, take care of lost/found items, and be a general extra set of eyes & ears on grounds.
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Must be able to sit, stand, and possibly walk quickly for the duration of the shift.
Skills Requirement: Must have excellent customer service skills. Able to stay calm under pressure. Must be very familiar with HVZ grounds, and able to answer guest questions about the run (with training).
Volunteering for All: This role requires grace under pressure, patience, the ability to empathize & connect with high energy/stressed guests. It is best suited for those who enjoy meeting & helping new people, and who are able to easily interpret facial expressions & body language.

Registration Assistant (6-9:30AM)

Shift: 6AM-9:30AM
Duties: Register day-of participants. Hand out run bibs, shirts & pins. Answer runner questions (We don't expect you to know all the answers to these things, and will provide you with a guide/training.)
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Must be able to easily switch from sitting to standing, turn, bend over, and lift at least 10lbs.
Volunteering for All: This role is best for people who can focus on the task at hand in a possibly fast-paced environment. Registration takes place inside our Guest Services building. This building also houses our education animals that include several insects, mammals and reptiles. While we will not be interacting with these animals in the course of this role, we will be sharing space with their enclosures. This role may not be ideal for those with phobias surrounding these types of animals.

5K Course Photographer (7:45-9:30AM)

Shift: 7:45AM-9:30AM
Duties: Walk the 5K route taking photos of Run Wild course guide volunteers, water stations & participants. We'll be using these photos in future promotional materials, thank yous and social media posts.
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Must be able to comfortably traverse a, sometimes hilly, course in a 1.5hr time span.
Skill/Equipment Requirement: Must provide your own photography equipment that can hold a SD card (OR be comfortable uploading photos and sharing on Google Drive). Must be knowledgeable of basic lighting & framing concepts, and must be comfortable getting in the action without getting in the WAY of the action.
Volunteering for All: Photographers must be able to provide their own equipment and be comfortable using it. They must be comfortable talking with people and able to make quick judgements about when to ask for poses vs. candid shots. This role is best for someone who operates well on their own with no supervision (as staff will be on grounds).

Onsite Photographer (7:45-9:30AM)

Shift: 7:45AM-9:30AM
Duties: Peruse the zoo grounds taking photos of Run Wild participants crossing the finish line, interacting with other volunteers and generally having a blast! Since most of us staff are busy on grounds, we don't get the chance to take photos of the action. We'll be using these photos in future promotional materials, thank yous and social media posts.
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Must be able to comfortably traverse the HVZ grounds (hills, paved and unpaved paths)
Skill/Equipment Requirement: Must provide your own photography equipment that can hold a SD card (OR be comfortable uploading photos and sharing on Google Drive). Must be knowledgeable of basic lighting & framing concepts, and must be comfortable getting in the action without getting in the WAY of the action.
Volunteering for All: Photographers must be able to provide their own equipment and be comfortable using it. They must be comfortable talking with people and able to make quick judgements about when to ask for poses vs. candid shots. This role is best for someone who operates well on their own with no supervision (as staff will be busy on grounds).

Clean-up Crew (8:45-11:30AM)

Shift: 8:45-11:30AM
Duties: The clean-up crew assists in taking down all event-specific supplies after the last race. The crew will ride with one of our staff members in the HVZ van to retrieve and take apart race signs along the course.
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Must be able to be on your feet/moving the majority of the role. Must be able to lift at least 30lbs. Must be able to quickly and easily get in and out of a van.
Volunteering for All: This role must know the zoo well, be comfortable communicating via radio with staff, and be able to stay flexible in changing conditions. This role is best suited for those who have volunteered in an ongoing role with HVZ previously.

Pair Roles

Henry/Handler "Finish Lion" (7-10:30AM)

Shift: 7AM-10:30AM
In-Costume Times: 7:30-8:30AM for the 5K/10K, 9-10AM for Kid's Run
Duties: Bring Henry the Lion to life in our mascot costume, and support him as a Handler. The Henry/Handler pair will be interacting with guests with high-fives & photo opportunities, and will be helping cheer on participants. The Handler role will be in charge of interpreting for Henry (who, like most lions, cannot talk), helping Henry navigate a busy set of surroundings, and providing verbal support for Henry and guests.
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Must be at least 5ft. 1in. Must be able to sit/stand for the duration of the shift. Must be comfortable in warm temperatures (We do have cooling methods for the costume, but it still gets warm.). Able to maintain energy enough to mime and move throughout the in-costume time.
Skills Requirement: Previous mascoting experience highly desired. Must be able to communicate verbally and non-verbally with volunteer partner. Must be able to bring energy and enthusiasm to the Henry/Handler role while also being aware of your surroundings (i.e. no getting so excited that you throw Henry's arms up and take out several toddlers).
Training Requirement: This role includes an in-person training for those who have not mascoted with us before.
Volunteering for All: This role takes place in very busy areas, and often attracts even more attention. It is not suitable for those who get easily flustered by large crowds, loud noises or people getting too close. It is good for those who are excellent with kids and adults, and who enjoy a truly unique and challenging role.

Henry/Handler Kid's Run Start (8:30-10:30AM)

Shift: 8:30-10:30AM
In-Costume Times: 9-10AM
Duties: Bring Henry the Lion to life in our mascot costume, and support him as a Handler. The Henry/Handler pair will be interacting with guests with high-fives & photo opportunities, and will be helping cheer on participants. The Handler role will be in charge of interpreting for Henry (who, like most lions, cannot talk), helping Henry navigate a busy set of surroundings, and providing verbal support for Henry and guests.
Age Requirement: 18+
Physical Requirement: Must be at least 5ft. 1in. Must be able to sit/stand for the duration of the shift. Must be comfortable in warm temperatures (We do have cooling methods for the costume, but it still gets warm.). Able to maintain energy enough to mime and move throughout the in-costume time.
Skills Requirement: Previous mascoting experience highly desired. Must be able to communicate verbally and non-verbally with volunteer partner. Must be able to bring energy and enthusiasm to the Henry/Handler role while also being aware of your surroundings (i.e. no getting so excited that you throw Henry's arms up and take out several toddlers).
Training Requirement: This role includes an in-person training for those who have not mascoted with us before.
Volunteering for All: This role takes place in very busy areas, and often attracts even more attention. It is not suitable for those who get easily flustered by large crowds, loud noises or people getting too close. It is good for those who are excellent with kids and adults, and who enjoy a truly unique and challenging role.

Run Guides 5K/10K (7:45-9:30AM)

Shift: 7:45-9:30AM
Duties: Guide runners throughout the courses! Armed with streamers & chalk (and a first aid kit just in case), you're the cheerleaders for the day. Work as part of the support team to assist in the event of lost children, medical emergencies, etc. by acting as the communication points throughout the course.
Age Requirement: At least one out of the team must be 18+. The other volunteer should be at least 10+.
Physical Requirement: Must be able to sit/stand for the duration of the shift.
Volunteering for All: This role is mostly very flexible, and is excellent for those looking for a fun and easy opportunity.* (*Signing up for this role allows you to choose your preferences for where on the course you'd like to be. Some spots require a bit more directing of runners than others, and we highly suggest viewing the run map & checking the descriptions of each spot before you choose.).

Run Guides 5K/10K/Kids Run (7:45-10AM)

Shift: 7:45-10AM
Duties: Guide runners throughout the courses! Armed with streamers & chalk (and a first aid kit just in case), you're the cheerleaders for the day. Work as part of the support team to assist in the event of lost children, medical emergencies, etc. by acting as the communication points throughout the course. This role also takes on the kid's run and may require you to shift locations slightly to adjust for the kid's route. Location shifts require moving your spot no more than a few yards.
Age Requirement: At least one out of the team must be 18+. The other volunteer should be at least 10+.
Physical Requirement: Must be able to sit/stand for the duration of the shift.
Volunteering for All: This role is mostly very flexible, and is excellent for those looking for a fun and easy opportunity.* (*Signing up for this role allows you to choose your preferences for where on the course you'd like to be. Some spots require a bit more directing of runners than others, and we highly suggest viewing the run map & checking the descriptions of each spot before you choose.).

Group Roles

Groups of 4: Water Stations 5K/10K

Shift: 7:45-9:30AM
Duties: Provide runners with water and help guide them throughout the courses! We'll bring out tables, water jugs, cups and garbage bags. Your team will be in charge of prepping everything ahead of time (pouring cups, setting them up, etc.), and picking up afterwards and leaving for the race staff support to pick up. Also work as part of the support team to assist in the event of lost children, medical emergencies, etc. by acting as the communication points throughout the course.
Age Requirement: At least two out of the team must be 18+. The other volunteers should be at least 10+.
Physical Requirement: Must be able to sit/stand for the duration of the shift.
Volunteering for All: This role is ESSENTIAL to a fun and safe race. This role is best for a punctual group with excellent communication skills and a good deal of enthusiasm for getting a good water-hand-out rhythm going. This role is out on the course, and works independently with support from grounds, but no direct supervision.

FAQs

I have a group of [__], can I still do [__]?

Can I bring my infant to volunteer with me?

When will you communicate race info to volunteers?

Upon Sign-up
You will be directed to a thank you page on our website. Within 3-5 business days on of our volunteer support staff will reach out to you to confirm your application, work out any schedule conflicts, answer questions and help you get started. You will then get an official welcome email with more information.

2-3 Weeks Before
We will reach out with information on shirt/packet pick-up. Online info sessions will be available for those who would like to go over everything in advance. Recordings will be available to those who are unable to make the meetings, and/or who have done this before and feel comfortable returning.

Day Before
Reminder text!

Day Of
We will be using texts to communicate reminders, weather, race starts/ends, and emergencies no earlier than 1hr before your shift and no later than 24hrs after the conclusion of the race.

Did the course change from last year?

Where are the Kids Run only roles?

SIGN ME UP!

Henry Vilas Zoo uses MyImpact database software for all volunteer applications and scheduling. Clicking on this link (or above) will prompt you to sign in with an existing MyImpact account OR will prompt you to create one.

Creating a MyImpact account will add you to the Henry Vilas Zoo volunteer email list and open up select volunteer opportunities for you. It will NOT cause you to get unwanted emails. We use any information only for sending communications relevant to Henry Vilas Zoo volunteering. We do not give out volunteer personal information, and we do not use this information for advertising purposes.

Help! I signed up, but I don't see anything! You should receive a confirmation email upon sign-up. We will reach out to you within 3-5 business days to talk with you and get you started.