Phillips Park Main Pavilion, Aurora IL
Sunday, June 7th, 2026
Walk. Run. Celebrate. Save Lives.
Join A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter for Makin’ Strides for Strays, a dog-friendly 5K walk/run and pet festival at Phillips Park in Aurora, Illinois. Whether you’re running, walking, or simply spending the day with fellow animal lovers and pups, every step helps support homeless animals in need.
Event Highlights
- Location: Phillips Park in Aurora, Illinois.
- Course: A scenic 5K around Mastodon Lake.
- Festival: Outdoor festival featuring music, vendors, contests, and games.
- Activities: Fun for all ages, including activities for pets.
A.D.O.P.T. Overview
Since 1989, A.D.O.P.T. has placed over 50,000 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.
Fundraising Impact
Every dollar raised matters: It 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.
What to Expect
- Scenic 5k Course: around Mastodon Lake.
- Family & Pet Festival: featuring vendors, music, contests, games, and activities.
- Dog-Friendly Fun: Bring your pups along for the day.
- Fundraising Opportunities: Help save even more lives.
Registration Details
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 festival, but donations are encouraged!
Participate Virtually
Can’t attend in person? You can still participate virtually by walking or running in your own neighborhood on June 7, or by fundraising from anywhere to support A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter.
Pricing & Packet Pick-Up
- 5K Day-of Registration: $45
- Packet pick-up:
- Friday, June 5 at A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter from noon–7:00 PM
- Race day beginning at 8:30 AM
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 + Paw-casso Experience
- $1,000: Above items + Your choice of:
- Pet Photo Session
- Choose Their Day: shelter enrichment experience.
Fundraiser Promotion Toolkit
Download graphics to help share your fundraiser on social media and encourage donations:
- Facebook Graphic (Square): Download Here
- Banner Image (Websites): Download Here
- Instagram Graphic (1080 x 1350): Download Here
- Facebook Graphic (Square Post): Download Here
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.
Event Location
The festival takes place at Phillips Park Main Pavilion (Ray-Moses Drive). We will meet there before the 5K walk/run around Mastodon Lake Trail. If you have trouble finding us, type "Parker Ave. & Ray Moses Dr" into your GPS.
For more information, visit the official race site: Makin’ Strides for Strays.
