Running with Penguins: Columbia Runner Training for Antarctica Marathon to Stop at Riverbanks Zoo

An ultra-marathoner will spend a day running with the penguins at Riverbanks Zoo in preparation for the 2012 Antarctica Marathon.

Dean Schuster will run on a treadmill at the zoo's penguin exhibit on Dec. 10 to raise money for penguin conservation. Some of the money will be donated to Oceanites, a nonprofit organization that does real-world penguin research and conservation on the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Riverbanks Conservation Support Fund also will receive a donation, allowing for a member of the zoo's staff to participate in a field conservation initiative protecting Humboldt penguins in Peru.

“Conserving the natural world is a sacred responsibility. I’ve enjoyed the zoo as a visitor for over 15 years; now I’m working with Riverbanks to support real-world conservation,” Schuster said. “I feel extremely lucky to be a part of something that’s so important and close to my heart.”

Schuster's stop at Riverbanks Zoo is part of his training for the 2012 Antarctica Marathon in March. The runner will make the long trip to the Antarctica Peninsula to run a 26.2-mile race on the icy continent. Schuster is on a journey to raise $30,000 for Oceanites before the marathon. 

Schuster already raised money for the cause by completing the Governor's Cup half marathon in a penguin suit in downtown Columbia. Sponsors donated money for each runner he passed. Out of the 691 runners in the race, Schuster flew past 504 of them. 

Guests at Riverbanks Zoo can stop by the Penguin Coast exhibit inside the Birdhouse to chat with Schuster during his day-long run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 10.

To keep track of Schuster’s journey, follow him on Twitter at @deanguin or online at runningwithpenguins.com.