Makin’ Strides for Strays

🐾 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.

🌟 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 Details

• Included: Strides t-shirt, A.D.O.P.T. bandana (for pets in attendance), swag bag, and festival admission (while supplies last).
• Fee: There is no fee to attend the fest, but donations are encouraged!
• Date: June 7th, 2026.
• Location: Parker Ave. & Ray Moses Dr., Aurora, IL.

❌ 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
• Packet Pick-Up: 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.
• $1,000: Above items PLUS choose 1 Premium Experience (Pet Photo Session or Choose Their Day).

📈 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.

• Instagram Graphic (1080 x 1350): Download Here
• Facebook Graphic (Square Post): Download Here

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.

🔗 Race Information

For more information, please visit the official race page: Makin’ Strides for Strays.