Chasing Dreams 5K

😃 Keep scrolling for Race Day info ⬇️

Who We Are

We are the oldest continually operating non-profit AAU youth running club in the nation. Ambler Olympic Club (AOC), founded in 1966, has helped thousands of athletes chase their dreams in the last 57 years. We have athletes from all socioeconomic backgrounds, and each year, our volunteer coaches nurture the talents of hundreds of young athletes. We operate year-round, giving athletes an opportunity to compete in outdoor track and field, indoor track and field, and cross-country at the local, regional, and National levels. Athletes of all skill levels are welcome from beginner to national champions. As a result of the excellent coaching and mentorship our youth athletes receive, many have gone on to earn scholarships to compete in college, and some have even competed for Team USA. Regardless of their pathway, or their level of success, every young athlete greatly benefits, physically, mentally, and emotionally from being a part of the AOC family. 

Our Event

Our inaugural 5K will take place on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the Philadelphia Zoo. This unique 5K experience will bring the exhilaration of competition with the wonderment of some of the most majestic creatures on the planet. Racers can run wild on the Zoos’ USATF certified 5K course as it meanders through the Zoo and around its perimeter. We expect hundreds of area runners of all ages, including some of the fastest youth athletes in the country. For those that would rather take the morning a little slower, a 1 mile walk will also be held and spectator passes are available. All attendees must be registered as a participant or spectator to enter the zoo. 

Race Day Fun

We'll have post-race refreshments and snacks provided by Whole Foods, Lemon Perfect, Happy Coffee, and Federal Donuts! There will be awards, as well as prizes and giveaways. ALL event attendees will enjoy an entire day of fun as they will receive FULL DAY ADMISSION TO THE ZOO on race day with their registration. 

REGISTER EARLY! The first 250 race registrants will receive a bag filled with awesome swag including a pair of LOCK LACES!!!

T-shirts and size selections are only guaranteed if registered before Aug 1st. 

⭐️Post-race reception Prizes and Giveaways include: 

A Signed photo of Philadelphia Eagle #17 Nakobe Dean

8 $25 Wegmans gift cards

2 $25 Bryn Mawr Running Company gift cards

3 $15 Athleta customer appreciation cards

$30 Juice Pod gift card

3 30 minute stretches from Stretch Zone

6 Urban Air Jump passes 

Free salads from Chopt 

Long Sleeve Nike Dryfit TShirts courtesy of Digital Scoreboards 

Day Pass at DTXFY

Gift basket and gift card from Chickie’s & Pete’s

Philly Pretzel Factory gift card

Awesome Chasing Dreams Merchandise 

and more….

Thank you for your support! We hope to see you there!!

🏅RACE DAY SCHEDULE 🏅

‼️ ALL attendees must be registered as a volunteer, participant (5k/1mi walk), or a spectator to enter the zoo ‼️

7:00am Registration Opens! (best time to arrive) 

8:00am 5k Race Start 8am

8:05am 1 Mile Run/Walk 

9:00am Post Race Reception 

10:00am GO ENJOY YOUR DAY AT THE ZOO! 🦘🦓🐆🦒🐅🦧🦏