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Cheetahs couldn't keep up with runners in Cincinnati Zoo's annual 5K race

Posted at 9:49 AM, Aug 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-28 11:21:32-04

CINCINNATI -- Sure, cheetahs are fast, but there's no way they could keep up with these runners.

About 1,500 people took part in the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden's 36th annual Cheetah Run on Sunday morning.

The course took runners in and around the zoo's gardens and exhibits. Proceeds help pay for care of all the animals at the zoo, which is one of Cincinnati's oldest nonprofit institutions.

"A lot of runners, of course, they range from the serious runners to the families that want to get out to enjoy the day to benefit the zoo," Cincinnati Zoo spokesman Chad Yelton said.

The fastest time in the 5K race came in under 18 minutes.

Afterward, runners and their families got to enjoy the animals and exhibits.

So why would a cheetah lose? They're great sprinters, hitting 70 mph, but they can't keep it up over long distances:

Learn more about cheetahs and the Cincinnati Zoo's Cat Ambassador Program in the video player below: