BRONX, NY, April 25, 2026 — More than 5,700 runners and walkers made tracks today to support the conservation of Endangered red pandas at the WCS Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo.

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s run, in its 18th year, was sponsored by Montefiore Einstein. Thousands of participants join the fun annually to broaden awareness of the threats facing wildlife and to help raise funds that support WCS’s global conservation efforts. Since the run debuted at the Bronx Zoo in 2009, more than 90,000 people have participated.

This year’s WCS Run for the Wild was dedicated to the Endangered red panda. Visitors to the Bronx Zoo can see red pandas at the Himalayan Highlands and Wild Asia Monorail exhibits.

Winners of the 5K race today were:

Men’s category:

  • First place: Tyler Perry from Haverstraw, NY
  • Second place: Ryan McNeilly from Rutherford, NJ
  • Third Place: Matthew Box from West Bramwich, UK

Women’s category:

  • First place: Sophie Cheesman from Alpine NJ
  • Second place: Kade Quevedo from Troy, NY
  • Third Place: Emily Hunt from New Milford, NJ

After the 5K and 3K events, participants enjoyed all-day admission to the Bronx Zoo, featuring 11,000 animals from around the globe and free access to all rides and attractions across the 265-acre park. Post-run entertainment included ZUMBA® instruction, interactive wildlife characters, music, games, face painting, and more.