Lace up your sneakers and get ready to run or walk for the good of our feathered friends. Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration will hold a 5k run and two-mile walk at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 17 to benefit our much-loved African penguins. For the first time ever, dogs are welcome to join their families 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. Prizes will be awarded in eight age divisions for males and females. Participants who raise $50 or more will receive a free commemorative race T-shirt. The top individual fundraiser will be awarded an original piece of art created by the penguins, and the runner-up will receive a free Penguin Encounter. The top fundraising team (consisting of up to 10 runners and/or walkers) will receive a penguin Encounter Program and will be recognized on a plaque that will hang at the Aquarium.

The event also includes a middle school cross-country team competition. The winning team will receive an engraved trophy that will be passed to each year’s winning team. Each of the members on the middle school winning team will also receive a meet-and-greet with a penguin. Medals will go to the second and third place teams.

All participants will receive free admission on race day to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration.

The money raised will help the penguins at the aquarium and across the world. Over the last 30 years, the world’s African penguin population has decreased by 50 percent. The penguins at the aquarium play an integral role in the African Penguin Species Survival Plan, and the aquarium staff’s work with them is helping researchers better understand penguins in the wild.

Online registration for this event is now closed. Please register at the aquarium on race day from 7:30 and 8:45 a.m. If you are unable to participate but would like to make a donation, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (860) 572-5955, ext. 223.

Need a place to stay? The Comfort Inn Mystic is the official Penguin Run/Walk hotel, offering participants rooms the night of October 17 for only $69. Availability is limited. Make your reservation now. Call (860) 572-8531.

*Dogs will be watched by volunteers from Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary during the portion of the walk that takes place inside the Aquarium. Neither dogs nor strollers are permitted on the 5K course.

Event sponsor: