Take part in the 8th Annual Run Walk for the Penguins at Mystic Aquarium

Support initiatives that work to save penguin populations in the wild.

From the Mystic Aquarium 

MYSTIC, Conn.– The African penguin population continues to decline. In 2010 researchers reported that the wild population was estimated to be 21,000 pairs and today are only 19,000 pairs. The population has declined by 70% in the last 10 years alone.

What can you do to help?  Lace up your sneakers and get ready to run, walk or waddle for the good of our feathered friends. Mystic Aquarium will hold its 8^th Annual Penguin Run/Walk, a 5k run andtwo-mile walk, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 18 to benefit the endangered African penguin. All participants receive free admission to Mystic Aquarium on race day; dogs and strollers are welcome in the two-mile walk; door prizes,free food and drinks are available after the race; and the penguins themselves will be racing in the aquarium’s Foxwoods Marine Theater after the awards ceremony. 

5K Run
The 5k run is on a trail, field androad course and prizes will be awarded in eight age divisions for males andfemales. The run includes a middle school cross-country team competition. The winning team will receive medals and an engraved trophy. Prizes will go to the second and third place teams.

2 Mile Walk
Dogs and strollers are welcome during the two-mile walk.

1/4 Mile Kids' Race
The kids' race will take place after the walk ends and before the awards ceremony.

Top Fundraisers
The top individual fundraiser will be awarded an original piece of art created by the penguins, and the runner-up will receive a one-of-a-kind paintingmade by Mystic Aquarium’s very own penguins. The top fundraising team (consisting of up to 10 runners and/or walkers) will receive a penguin meet-and-greet.

Free Aquarium Admission
To show our gratitude, all participants receive FREE Mystic Aquarium admission on race day, where they can visit the 31 African penguins in the Roger Tory Peterson Penguin Exhibit and enjoy the Aquarium.

Participation Helps Save the Endangered African Penguin

The African penguin was listed as an endangered species in 2010 and money raised from this event will help penguins at the aquarium and in South Africa. 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. In fact, Mystic Aquarium is a leader in a collaborative, nationwide effort to assist researchers in South Africa and sends staff to SANCCOB, a leader in seabird rescue and rehabilitation. Staff from the aquarium’s animal care, education and research departments examine all factors possibly affecting the penguins and develop plans for the aquarium to lead and assist with education, research and the conservation efforts of this species.

Registration
Visit MysticAquarium.org to register for the 8th Annual Penguin Run/Walk. If you are unable to participate but would like to make a donation, please email development@mysticaquarium.org or call 860.572.5955 ext. 476. For more information, visit MysticAquarium.org.

WHAT:          8^th Annual Penguin 5k run or two-mile walk, followed by a penguin race

WHEN:                      Saturday, October 18 at 9 a.m.

WHERE:                   Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355

COST:            Individuals:                             $25 entry fee by October 1
Children ages 3 to 13:             $15 by October 1

One Adult, 2 Children:                       $53 by October 1
2 Adults, 2 Kids:                    $68 by October 1
Middle school teams:              $58 (up to 10 people) with additional children $13*

                                    *An additional $5 fee applies to registration received after October 1                                                  

 About Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium is a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only beluga whales. Mystic Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range of marine animals. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration. Sea Research receives major support from United Technologies Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company and Foxwoods Resort Casino. Learn more at mysticaquarium.org or searesearch.org.