MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — On Sunday, just over one thousand runners threw on their jackets and laced up their shoes for the 46^th annual Samson Stomp.

It was a bitter cold morning at the Milwaukee County Zoo, but it didn't stop runners from enjoy the unique views. 

"I've got 3 layers on top and fleece lined running tights that really helped a lot," said Glenda Adams, 5k runner.

Since the run was at the zoo and for an added layer of warmth, many of the participants sported their best animal costumes. 

"As we age up, we realized we are in our costume running era, so this seemed like the perfect reason to dress up like animals and run a 5k," said Sarah Vuolo, 5k runner.

The Milwaukee County Zoo says while the event is a fun experience for runners it's also benefiting the ones who call the zoo home.

"Every dollar raised today goes right back into every facet of animal care that's eating the animals, providing enrichment working on their habitats medical care bringing specialist there's so much that goes into animal care and having events like this helps us provide the top notch care that we give to the zoo animals every day," Megan O'Shea, Communications Manager at Milwaukee County Zoo explained. 

The run is in honor of Samson, a beloved Silverback Gorilla who was at the zoo for 31 years. 

The zoo also used the event as a reminder that they recycle old electronic devices to help protect gorilla habitats. 

"We want to recycle them for you to keep them out of landfills because it prevents the Coltan that exist in the gorilla habits," said O'Shea.

The zoo says recycling these electronic devices reduces the demand for Coltan, a mineral extracted from the forests of Congo, which is home to critically endangered lowland gorillas.