The start of March is traditionally the start of the running event season and one local entity has for many years been tapping into this time of year.

The Miller Park Zoo's annual 5K Stampede kicks off the event runs for area runners. Zoo Superintendent Jay Tetzloff says the event this year will, for the first time, take part of the course through the zoo.

Tetzloff indicates he and the staff are excited about the prospects of having the course take runners and walkers through the zoo.

The race benefits the Miller Park Zoo's Zoological Society, the fundraising arm of the city-owned facility. Tetzloff says the flamingo exhibit that is to come later this year, was in part, privately funded by the Zoological Society.

The race is set for this Saturday, March 5. They are planning to keep the zoo closed down until the race has concluded. If you are participating, you get into the zoo for free on Saturday. The race gets underway at 10 am.

For further information on this weekend's event, check out millerparkzoo.org.