There are race routes and then there are race routes that make you question your sanity. The Belfast Zoo 5K falls firmly into the latter category. Entries are open, so you can now hand over cash for the right to be chased uphill by meerkats while flamingos judge your pain at the finish line. Ok so no animals will chase you, but they will stare with an air of superiority and judge you.
Yes, the the Monkstown Spar Belfast Zoo 5K returns on Sunday the 12th of April 2026. Entries opened this week and over 150 eager runners have already stuck their name down. They will vanish faster than a bucket of fish at feeding time in the penguin enclosure, so get your name in early before you are left outside the gates wondering what might have been.
The Route
The organisers pitch it as one of the most unique runs on the calendar. They are not wrong. It is a two lap tour through the Zoo grounds that starts at the main gates then goes straight uphill to the highest point of the gardens. You get grand views of Cave Hill and Belfast Lough while pondering why you ever thought this was a good idea.
Just when your quads start questioning the meaning of life, the route sends you hurtling back downhill before turning to send you up all over again. You finish beside the flamingo lake playpark, greeted by lanky pink birds who look like they have never known lactic acid or self doubt.
Those seeking a personal best will need stout legs and a stomach for hills. The rest of us will simply enjoy bragging rights for running through a Zoo without being fed to the tigers.
Event Essentials
📅 Date: Sunday 12 April 2026
⏰ Start Time: 9am for the 5K with the Kids 1K shortly after
📍 Location: Belfast Zoo, Antrim Road
💷 Entry Fee: £20 for the 5K, £9.50 for the Kids 1K
🔗 Entry Link: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?elid=Y&event_id=16886
There You Have it
This is not your average suburban plod. The Spartans Spar Belfast Zoo 5K is part hill race, part animal kingdom field trip. Sign up, suffer, smile, and try not to get overtaken by a twelve year old dressed as a zebra. The flamingos will be watching at the finish line.