Busch Gardens, Tampa: Run For The Fund 5K

The Run For the Fund 5k start/finish line is located at Busch Gardens® Tampa in Parking Lot D, with parking included in race entry*.  The 5k chip-timed course featuring animals and character appearances takes participants through Busch Gardens for most of the 3.1-mile race.

Awards:  Overall 1st place male & female & Overall 1st place male & female youth finshers (9 and under).                    

No Race Day Packet Pick-Up or Registration is available.

Spectators are welcome at the start/finish line, however, only paid 5k participants are allowed in the park during the run.

For your safety and the safety of other participants, no baby joggers, strollers or wheelchairs are allowed during this timed event.  The course has a number of turns and ramps that would make it difficult to safely maneuver a baby jogger, stroller or wheelchair. 

Participants must maintain at least a 16 min./mile pace or they will be transported to the finish line.

Race perks include:
Dri-fit (unisex sizing) event shirt
Finishers medal
Race bib with timing chip
Light refreshments at the finish
Voucher to purchase a single day admission valid through Memorial Day for only $25!

*Participants leaving the parking lot post race and returning later to visit Busch Gardens will pay regular parking rates.

The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund’s Run for the Fund 5k gives participants the opportunity to make a difference and support animal conservation efforts worldwide. This is a chance for guests of all ages to take part in the Fund’s mission to work with purpose and passion on behalf of wildlife and habitats worldwide, encouraging sustainable solutions through support of species research, animal rescue and rehabilitation, and conservation education. 

Thank you for understanding there will be NO REFUNDS and race/bib numbers CANNOT be given to another participant.
 
 
 
 

Run for the Fund at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Q&A

Why are you doing a run at Busch Gardens?
SeaWorld Parks, including Busch Gardens, has a longstanding commitment to animal care, education, and conservation. As part of that commitment, we work to provide opportunities for our guests, and the community we serve, to support animal conservation worldwide through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. 100% of the net proceeds from the Run for the Fund 5k will benefit the Conservation Fund.

Can anyone participate? What about people that don’t run?
Yes, the Run for the Fund 5k is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to participate and join SeaWorld and Busch Gardens in supporting animal conservation. Joggers and walkers are also welcomed to join, but must maintain a pace of at least 16 minutes per mile.

Am I allowed to push a baby jogger, stroller or wheelchair?
For your safety and the safety of other runners/walkers, baby joggers, strollers, and wheelchairs are not permitted during this timed event. The course has a number of turns and ramps that would make it difficult to safely maneuver a baby jogger, stroller, or wheelchair.

Are there different age groups?
The Run for the Fund 5k is a chipped time event and will not be sorted by age groups; however, there will be awards for overall male/female adult finishers and overall male/female child finishers (aged 9 or younger).

Can spectators come to the event?
Spectators are welcome at the start/finish line; however, only paid 5k participants are allowed in the park during the run.

How much does it cost to participate?
RACE DAY REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

$25 per person until November 30, 2016
$30 per person: December 1, 2016 - January 18, 2017
$35 per person: January 19-20, 2017

I’m a Busch Gardens ambassador. Do I get a discount?
Yes, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ambassadors receive discounted entry. Please refer to SEAport for more information on how to register as an ambassador. This discounted rate is available ONLY for the ambassador, not for friends and family. Please note you will be required to provide park ID in order to obtain your packet.

Where can I pick up the race registration packet?
Package pick-up will be available on Thursday, January 19 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM and Friday, January 20 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Adventure Island, Parking Lot K. The entrance is located off of Bougainvillea Avenue.

Can I pick up a registration packet for a friend or family member?
Yes, you can pick up a registration packet for a friend or family member. No additional paperwork is required.

How much of that money goes to the Conservation Fund?
100% of the net proceeds will benefit the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

How is this benefiting animal conservation?
For more than 40 years, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment – encompassing SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove - have initiated and supported wildlife conservation, research, and education at home and around the world. Launched in 2003, the Fund was created to provide guests with an easy, direct way to get involved and make a difference.

What does that entry fee include?
Registration includes one voucher to purchase a $25 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay admission, valid for one visit through May 29, 2017. Participants also receive a dri-fit (uni-sex sizing) race shirt, finisher’s medal, race bib with timing chip, and light refreshments at the finish line.

Will bag check be available at the race?
Bag check will not be available at this event. Due to the close proximity of the parking lot, participants should be prepared to keep their personal belongings in their vehicle.

What is the race schedule?
Note: Race day registration is NOT permitted. Race day schedule is as follow:

6:00 a.m. Parking lot opens
7:15 a.m. Wave one begins
7:30 a.m. Wave two begins
7:40 a.m. All participants must have crossed the start line
8:30 a.m. Awards
9:00 a.m. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Moroccan Village area opens for Run for the Fund participants

How do I know my wave time?
Wave times will be assigned at packet pickup based on runners’ estimated finish time.

Where in the park will runners go?
The course will take participants throughout several of the 300 acres at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, including several animal habitats and world-class thrill rides.

Is there a time requirement for this event?
Yes, participants must maintain a pace of at least 16 minutes per mile or they will be transported to the finish line.

Will there be restroom and changing facilities?
There will be temporary restrooms available at the start/finish line, and restrooms are available along the course. We do not have changing and shower facilities available.

Will there be awards?
Awards will be presented to the overall male/female adult finishers & overall male/female child finishers (aged 9 or younger).

Do other SeaWorld parks do runs like this?
While other SeaWorld Entertainment parks have done similar races, there is no other race in the world that provides the experience found at the Run for the Fund 5k!

Will guests get to stay in the park after the race?
Every registered participant will receive one voucher to purchase a $25 Busch Gardens Tampa Bay admission, valid for one visit through May 29, 2017. Participants leaving the parking lot post-race and returning later in the day to visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will pay regular parking rates. Ticket windows and self-service kiosks will be available at the entrance plaza for completing additional admission purchases.

What are the park hours for Saturday, January 21, 2017?
Please visit www.BuschGardens.com for up-to-date park hours on January 21. The Moroccan Village area will open at 9 a.m. for Run for the Fund participants. The Moroccan Village will feature Sultan’s Sweets, serving Starbuck’s® coffee, Zagora Café serving lunch, gift shops, Adventure Photo, as well as a special presentation by the Zoo department. Please be advised that park hours and attraction availability in the Moroccan Village are subject to change without notice. You (and your guest[s]) must have paid daily admission, ambassador ID, or valid Fun Card or Annual Pass to enter the park. Ticket windows and self-service kiosks will be available at the entrance plaza for completing purchases. Please visit www.BuschGardens.com for park information.