World Water Run 2026

What better way to spend a sunny spring weekend than being outside and tracking miles for Earth’s most precious resource: water!

The Indianapolis Zoo fielded a team for World Water Run 2026 and covered more than 100 km in the process.

World Water Run celebrates the annual World Water Day (March 22), with people running, walking or otherwise moving for water, because water shapes every part of human lives, and many of the water systems that communities and other species rely on are in crisis.

The Team

Spearheaded by the Global Center for Species Survival at the Indianapolis Zoo, with support from several other departments, the team of 12, plus several canines now known as World Water Dogs, visited several wonderful wetlands, rivers and lakes in and around Indianapolis.

“I’m running to raise awareness for the wonderful wet places right here in the heart of Indiana,” said Freshwater Conservation Coordinator Monika Böhm, part of the Global Center staff.

Saving wetlands, rivers and lakes affects more than just the local environment. Other species are directly impacted by the quality of the water around them.

“I’m taking part to watch the birds—especially the waterfowl we see so often that it’s easy to take them for granted,” said Sam Ivande, Global Center for Species Survival National Species Conservation Coordinator. “Not long ago, many of these species declined sharply due to polluted waterways and degrading wetlands. While meaningful progress has been made in restoring habitats and improving water quality, there’s still important work ahead to protect and sustain these ecosystems.”

“Without water, there are no flowers, trees, amphibians, reptiles and other things that I love!” added Vertebrate Conservation Coordinator Andrea Echeverry-Alcendra, also part of the Global Center.

The Activities

Everything goes for World Water Run, as long as it’s movement. The Indianapolis Zoo team ran, walked, splashed, cycled, dog walked and birdwatched its way through the weekend.

Several team members took part in running events, from a 5k to a half-marathon – they really put the “Run” into World Water Run. Others were attending conferences and had to think outside the box: commuting to and from a conference counts, but only if you walk or cycle there.

The Places

Indiana is home to many amazing wetlands, and so many are within or not far from Indianapolis!

The White River winds its way through Indy and beside the Indianapolis Zoo. Wide paths along the river provide a great spot to walk, run and enjoy the scenery.

Eagle Creek Park is a jewel in the crown of Indy Parks and a great birding spot! Several group members headed to the Ornithology Center to walk around the bird sanctuary at Eagle Creek Reservoir. It was great seeing the pelicans, as well as mergansers, ducks, geese and grebes going about their business – and of course a Bald Eagle above.

Shades State Park, west of Indianapolis, sits right next to Sugar Creek. Indiana State Parks are great for exploring the outdoors, many with wonderful wet places, from rivers to lakes, and bogs to pools. Wildlife abounds in these places!

Indianapolis is so lucky to have all these wonderful places nearby. Enjoy these places responsibly to safeguard their future!

World Water Day at Indianapolis Zoo

On World Water Day, the Zoo hosted very special guests from the White River Alliance. Did you know that there are pledges you can take to safeguard freshwater here in Indiana? The White River Alliance Clear Choices Clean Water campaign can give you tips on how to act on behalf of clean water! https://lnkd.in/gcPPnHpe.

World Water Run will be back in 2027. If you are inspired to move for water, keep a lookout for the announcement on https://go.runblue.org/. Sign up, move, enjoy, post and spread the word! Team Indianapolis Zoo will definitely be in the race next year!

Author: Monni Böhm

Published March 30, 2026