REALTORS® Help Run for the Zoo Reach a Major Milestone

Run for the Zoo continues to prove what can happen when Albuquerque comes together for one of its most beloved community institutions. This year, REALTORS® were once again part of that success, volunteering their time to help support an event that raised more than $270,000 for the ABQ BioPark.

For the first time since 2019, Run for the Zoo completely sold out, with every race reaching full capacity. A large part of that success is thanks to the dedicated Run for the Zoo Committee, whose planning, coordination, and commitment help bring this major community event to life each year. Alongside volunteers, sponsors, participants, and community partners, the committee helped make this year's event one to celebrate.

REALTORS® Show Up for Albuquerque

GAAR members have made Run for the Zoo an important part of their community involvement, volunteering to help keep race day moving and welcoming participants throughout the event.

That involvement goes beyond lending a hand for a morning. It is another way REALTORS® demonstrate their connection to the communities where they live, work, and serve.

Every volunteer, runner, sponsor, and supporter contributed to this year's success and the more than $270,000 raised for the ABQ BioPark.

Supporting the BioPark Beyond Race Day

Fundraising from events like Run for the Zoo helps provide critical resources and enhancements across the BioPark. These dollars do not simply support facilities. They help enhance animal health, visitor experiences, and long-term conservation efforts.

That makes every registration, volunteer shift, and contribution part of something much larger.

Celebrating Route 66

This year's event also embraced an Albuquerque icon. As the only zoo located right off the Mother Road, the ABQ BioPark celebrated the centennial of Route 66 through special artwork, race shirts, medals, and a first-ever car show held alongside the Run for the Zoo Expo.

The Route 66 theme added another distinctly Albuquerque element to an event already deeply connected to the city.

Next Stop: 100 Years of the Zoo

The momentum is already building for 2027. The ABQ BioPark expects another sold-out Run for the Zoo as the community celebrates an even bigger milestone: 100 years of the Zoo.

GAAR is proud of the REALTORS® who continue to show up for Run for the Zoo and other community programs throughout Albuquerque. Their involvement reminds us that being a REALTOR® is about more than real estate. It is also about investing time and energy into the community we call home.

The 2027 date is Sunday, May 2nd, 2027. We will put out the call for volunteers in mid-March. 

Congratulations to the ABQ BioPark, the volunteers, participants, and everyone who helped make this year's Run for the Zoo a record-setting success.

2026 Run for the Zoo Committee 

Co-Chair: Sherilyn Lucas
Co-Chair: Jeff Gorum
Board Liaison: Jesse Baca 

Nate Armstrong
Jason Beall
Steve Cecco
Helen Chan
Julia Du Charme
Jerry Garcia
Tasha Gray
Kayla Greichunos
Nancy Kennedy
Rhonda Ledbetter
Barb Maddox
Monica Martinez-McNeil
Josh Price
Mike Roberts
Monica Roberts
Jennifer Sanchez
Jim Steger