Makin’ Strides for Strays

  • Date Sun 7th June 2026
  • Time 9:30AM CDT
  • Location Aurora, Illinois
  • Price $43.99
  • Races 1 race
  • Distances 5km

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Event summary

Join us for the heartwarming event, Makin’ Strides for Strays, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the picturesque Phillips Park in Aurora, Kane County, Illinois. This dog-friendly 5K walk/run and pet festival is a wonderful opportunity for animal lovers to come together to support homeless pets in need. Participants can enjoy a scenic 5K route around the beautiful Mastodon Lake, followed by a lively outdoor festival filled with music, vendors, dog contests, games, and activities for all ages.

Since its inception in 1989, A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter has placed over 50,000 animals into loving homes, and every dollar raised during this event helps continue that mission. With no fee to attend the festival, donations are encouraged, and participants can register for the 5K for just $45, which includes a Strides t-shirt, an A.D.O.P.T. bandana for their pets, and festival admission while supplies last. Don't miss this chance to walk, run, and celebrate while making a positive impact on the lives of animals in need!

Organiser's Description

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 youre running, walking, or simply spending the day with fellow animal lovers and pups, every step helps support homeless animals in need.

Held at beautiful Phillips Park, this family-friendly event features a scenic 5K around Mastodon Lake followed by a lively outdoor festival with music, vendors, dog contests, food, games, and activities for all ages.

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.

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 5K COURSE around Mastodon Lake
FAMILY & PET FESTIVAL with vendors, music, contests, games, and activities
DOG-FRIENDLY FUN: bring your pups along for the day
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES to help save even more lives
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!
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PARTICIPATE VIRTUALLY

Cant 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 noon7:00 PM
Race day beginning at 8:30 AM_
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FUNDRAISE TO MAKE AN EVEN BIGGER IMPACT

[A.D.O.P.T. fundraising incentive items including tote, leash, stickers, and notepad]
Earn exclusive A.D.O.P.T. gear and experiences as you fundraise.

$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 [https://imgur.com/a/WeiIvsA]
* BANNER IMAGE (WEBSITES): Download Here [https://imgur.com/a/40k0tjf]
* INSTAGRAM GRAPHIC (1080 X 1350): Download Here [https://imgur.com/a/BeE5KoR]
* FACEBOOK GRAPHIC (SQUARE POST): Download Here [https://imgur.com/a/makin-strides-strays-fundraising-facebook-post-isORzZM]

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.

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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, 1014, 1519, 2029, 3039, 4049, 5059, 6069, 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.

Races

  • 5k

    Incl. $3.99 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sun 7th June 2026 (9:30AM CDT)

    $43.99

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Location

Phillips Park Main Pavilion, Parker Ave. & Ray Moses Dr., Aurora, 60505, IL, United States

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