• Aurora, IL

Makin’ Strides for Strays

  • Distance(s): 5K
    • Race Overview: A race coming up on 2026-06-07 in Aurora, IL. Get all the nerdy details below or follow the sign up links to secure your spot today!
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    Race data last checked: 2026-03-15

    Race Overview:

    Walk. Run. Celebrate. Save Lives.

    Join A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter for Makin' Strides for Strays — a fun, dog-friendly 5K and family festival at beautiful Phillips Park. Whether you’re running, walking, or just enjoying the day with friends (and pups!), every step supports life-saving care for animals in need.

    Since 1989, A.D.O.P.T. has placed over 30,000 animals into loving homes. Our dedicated staff and volunteers provide not only life-saving care, but also the compassion, enrichment, and respect every animal deserves.

    Every dollar raised matters. Every dollar raised ensures A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter has the resources to care for and protect every animal that comes through our doors. Please consider giving what you can by donating, registering, or helping raise funds.
    A.D.O.P.T. volunteers with shelter dog

    Our volunteers and staff make Makin’ Strides for Strays possible 💙
     

    What to Expect

    🌿 Scenic Course: Enjoy a 3.1-mile walk/run around scenic Mastodon Lake.
    🎪 Family Festival: After the race, stick around for a lively family festival: music, vendors, dog contests, games, and activities for all ages (pups included!).
    🐾 Team Spirit: Team up with friends (or Fido) and conquer the 3.1 miles together.
    🎶 Post-Race Party: Celebrate your achievement with live music, food and beverages, and plenty of high fives.
    Registration includes:
    Strides t-shirt, A.D.O.P.T. bandana (for pets in attendance), swag bag, and festival admission (while supplies last).
    There is no fee to attend the fest, but donations are encouraged!

    Unable to Attend?

    That’s okay! Walk or run in your own neighborhood on June 7th, or stay home and gather donations to support A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter.

    Pricing & Packet Pick-Up
    5K Day-of Registration: $45
    Race packet pick-up will take place Friday, 6/5, noon–7 p.m. and 8:30 on race day.
    (Friday pick-up at A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter.)

    Fundraise to Make an Even Bigger Impact 🐾

    $50 → Love Knows No Breed A.D.O.P.T. Sticker
    $100 → Love Knows No Breed A.D.O.P.T. Foldable Tote
    $250 → A.D.O.P.T. Adventure Leash
    $500 → Love Knows No Breed Notepad PLUS 🎨 Paw-casso Experience
    Create a one-of-a-kind abstract artwork alongside a shelter dog or cat during a guided enrichment session. Take home a meaningful keepsake while supporting animal wellbeing.
    $1,000 → Above items PLUS choose 1 Premium Experience

    📸 Pet Photo Session: Professional photo session with you and your pet. Includes a private digital gallery with downloadable images.
    🐾 Choose Their Day: Help design a special enrichment day for a shelter animal with treats, toys, activities, and guided interaction. Receive photos from the experience.

    📣 Fundraiser Promotion Toolkit

    Ready to share your fundraiser? We’ve created graphics you can download and post on social media or include in emails to help boost donations.

    Simply download the image, upload it to your post, and include your personal fundraiser link. The more you share, the more lives you help save. 💙

    5K Awards

    First place awards to the top Male and Female finishers!

    Medals will be awarded to the 1st & 2nd Male & Female 5K participants in these categories:

    9 & under, 10–14, 15–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70 & over.

    Sign Up Here