Save the Chimps, a non-profit sanctuary providing life-long world-class care for chimpanzees in need, located in Fort Pierce, Florida today announced plans for its upcoming signature fundraising race, Chimpathon on April 19th, 2020. New this year is a 5K, 10K and fun walking course designed by Jacob Davis of Southern Timing — who has been named as the 2020’s Chimpathon Race Director.
“We are thrilled to help Save the Chimps raise essential funds for the lifelong care of their resident chimpanzees – participants will love the changes we’ve made to enhance the course,” added Jacob Davis.
The 6th annual Chimpathon on April 19, 2020 offers a unique opportunity to visit the Save the Chimps Sanctuary, which is normally closed to the public out of respect to its residents’ privacy. Sponsorships are being sought, as they are a key part of the event, allowing 100% percent of the proceeds to benefit the chimpanzees.
“Chimpathon is a great event for us, not only do the runners enjoy the experience of a lifetime but we’ve found that the chimps really enjoy it too,”. “It’s a fun, unique event that raises essential funds.”
Since its founding in 1997, the sanctuary has successfully retired 333 chimpanzees from unsuitable living conditions, allowing them to live out their days in a safe, secure, and vibrantly social community alongside their fellow chimpanzees. The retired chimps now live in large family groups on 12 separate three-acre islands, where they receive three fresh meals daily, first rate medical care, and a variety of activities in an enriched environment.
The race starts at 7:00 a.m. and is open to runners and walkers, aged 16 and above on a course certified by the USA Track and Field Association. The course begins on Header Canal Road, along a paved road, where runners will enjoy the tranquility of the native Florida landscape. Then onto Carole Noon Lane which leads you into the 12-island, 150 acre sanctuary for a rare opportunity to view the home of more than 230 chimpanzees rescued from the space program, laboratory research, the entertainment industry, and the pet trade. The race course is separated from the chimps “islands in the sun” by large moats, as chimps cannot swim. As you wind your way around the chimps’ islands, you will be greeted with excited chimpanzee pant-hoots. You may even spot Arthur, this year’s Chimpathon mascot, giving you a rasberry as you run past his island. The finish line ends on the sanctuary grounds.
Register today!