Johns Hopkins Below the Belt Stride and Thrive 5K, Presented by 2Moms Media

🏃‍♀️ Race Overview

Join us for an unforgettable morning on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at the Maryland Zoo for the Below the Belt Stride and Thrive 5K, Presented by 2Moms Media – where every step makes a difference in the fight against gynecologic cancers!

Experience the magic as cancer survivors, families, healthcare heroes, and community members come together at this extraordinary new venue to walk, run, and celebrate hope. This isn't just another 5K – it’s a powerful movement supporting world-class cancer care and groundbreaking research at Johns Hopkins Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, where survival rates double through specialized care.

Whether you’re sprinting past zebras, jogging by giraffes, or walking with friends, your participation helps fund innovative treatments that transform laboratory breakthroughs into life-saving care. Bring the whole family for a day of inspiration, education, and solidarity with survivors who remind us that no one faces cancer alone.

Ready to make history in the fight against below-the-belt cancers? Register today and start your fundraising journey. Together, we’ll stride toward a future where every woman has access to expert care and better outcomes.

📅 Date and Location

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
1 Safari Place
Baltimore, MD US 21217
Visit the Maryland Zoo's website for directions.

📝 Registration Options

This year we are offering four registration options:

• 5K Run/Walk: Participate in the race.
• 1-Mile Walk: Join in for a shorter distance.
• Virtual Participation with T-shirt: Take part online with a shirt.
• Virtual Participation without T-shirt: FREE option available!

Please note, children under the age of 2 are free and do not need to register for the race.

As of 5/24/2025, T-shirt size choices are limited to the available remaining quantities. Please choose from among the remaining available sizes as some sizes have sold out! If you are unable to select your desired size, you may be able to swap out your shirt for a different size on race day.

🎁 Registration Benefits

Your registration includes the following:

• Race t-shirt: (unless you are a free virtual participant)
• Single entry: Into the Maryland Zoo.
• Access: To the event village, which will include a variety of vendor tents and activities.
• Post-race beverages and snacks: Enjoy refreshments after the race.
• Blank lawn signs: Available at early packet pick-up on a first-come first-served basis to honor someone special who has been impacted by gynecologic cancer.

⏰ Schedule of Events

7:00 a.m. - Race Day Check-in/packet pick-up opens
7:00 a.m. - All onsite activities and Event Village tents open
7:55 a.m. - On-stage Program begins
8:30 a.m. - 5K Run/1 Mile Walk starts
9:30 a.m. - Post race ceremony begins
10:00 a.m. - Meet Animal Ambassador 1
10:30 a.m. - Meet Animal Ambassador 2
11:00 a.m. - Onsite activities, vendor tents close, event ends

🎪 Event Village Activities

• Education and Resources: Visit our hospital partner tents for valuable education materials and resources about below-the-belt health conditions.
• Free beach ball: The first 200 participants to visit the 2Moms Media sponsor tent will receive a free branded beach ball.
• Health and Wellness: Stop by Patient First's tent for complimentary blood pressure checks.
• Kids activities: Face painting, glitter tattoos, fairy hair sparkles, and creative kids crafts.
• Main Stage Program: Special guest speakers will be featured starting at 7:55 a.m.
• Animal Ambassadors: Meet two zoo friends from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
• Post-Race Program: Awards for top fundraisers, teams, and finishers starting at 9:30 a.m.

🅿️ Parking

Free parking is available onsite and a short distance to the registration area.

🚼 Strollers and Pets

While our 5K and 1-Mile course are both stroller-friendly, participants with strollers should stay towards the back of the start line to avoid blocking faster runners. Due to the safety of zoo animals, pets will not be allowed onsite.

🐾 Post-Race Zoo Access

The Maryland Zoo will open to the public beginning at 10:00 a.m. Onsite race announcements will be made about wristbands for all-day access. Annual zoo members should enter through the check-in gate to avoid additional fees.

🩸 The Violet Project - Period Product Donation Drive

You can extend your impact beyond below-the-belt cancers by bringing period products to donate to The Violet Project. Donations can also be made through their Amazon Wishlist. Your generous donations ensure that period poverty doesn’t prevent young people from fully participating in daily activities.

🔗 Registration Link

For more information and to register, visit: Johns Hopkins Below the Belt Stride and Thrive 5K.