FAQ
5K FAQ 2020
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 that will not be sorted by age groups. 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? NOTE: RACE DAY REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.
$30.00 per person: Through February 2, 2020; $40.00 per person: February 3 – March 22, 2020; $54.99 per person: March 23 – April 3, 2020 at 7 pm.
I’m a Busch Gardens ambassador, do I get a discount? Yes, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ambassadors will receive a discounted entry. This discounted rate is available ONLY for ambassadors (not for friends and family). Please note you will be required to provide park ID to obtain your race bib and packet.
When and where is pre-race packet pick-up? Adventure Island Parking Lot K, 10001 N. McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
Thursday, April 2, 2020: 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Friday, April 3, 2019: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Day-of Package Pickup: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, 10065 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa, FL 33612, Saturday, April 4: 5:30 a.m. – 6:30 a.m.
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. Please bring a copy of their registration.
How much of that money goes to the Conservation Fund and how is this benefiting animal conservation? 100% of the net proceeds will benefit the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. 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 the race registration fee include? Registration includes one voucher to purchase a $40 + tax Busch Gardens Tampa Bay admission, valid for one visit through May 25, 2020. Participants also receive a tech-tee material (uni-sex) 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.
Can I bring a hydration pack/CamelBak® on the course? Yes, hydration packs like CamelBaks are allowed on the course. Backpacks and other large bags will not be permitted.
What is the race day schedule? 5:30 a.m. - Parking lot opens and packet pickup begins; 6:30 a.m. - Packet pickup closes; 7:15 a.m. - Wave one (runners) start; wave two (walkers) immediately follow; 7:30 a.m. - All participants must have crossed the start line; 8:30 a.m. - All participants must have crossed the finish line; 8:30 a.m. - Awards; 9:00 a.m. - Busch Gardens opens select park areas 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 passing by 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 presented to the overall male/female adult finishers & overall male/female youth finishers (9 & younger).
Will guests get to stay in the park after the race? Every registered participant will receive one voucher to purchase a $40 + tax Busch Gardens Tampa Bay admission, valid for one visit through May 25, 2020. Stay and Play race participants will have exclusive early ride times at select areas of the park! 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 if I am unable to make it to the race? Are there refunds? Unfortunately, race registrations cannot be refunded or transferred.
Who is eligible to win an Annual Pass at the Run for the Fund 5K? While there is no purchase necessary, guests must be registered for the Run for the Fund 5K in order to be eligible to receive an Annual Pass. The top three overall time winners will receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze Annual Pass. If a current Pass Member wins, he or she is allowed to register the Annual Pass in the name of a friend or relative. Annual Passes must be redeemed on May 22, 2020.
