Makin’ Strides for Strays
- Date Sun 7th June 2026
- Time 9:30AM CDT
- Location Aurora, Illinois
- Price $38.99
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join us for the heartwarming event, Makin’ Strides for Strays, taking place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the scenic Mastodon Lake. This beloved annual 5K walk/run is not just a race; it’s a celebration of community, compassion, and the love for our furry friends. Participants can tackle the 3.1-mile course while enjoying a vibrant family festival filled with music, unique vendors, and a variety of fun activities for all ages.
For over three decades, this event has played a crucial role in supporting A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter’s mission to find loving homes for animals in need. Whether you bring your four-legged companion or walk with friends, your participation helps ensure that every pet receives the care and love they deserve. With no admission fee for the festival, donations are encouraged to help continue this important work. Don’t miss out on the post-race party featuring delicious food, live music, and plenty of celebrations! Together, let’s make a difference for our shelter animals and create lasting memories on this special day.
For over three decades, this event has played a crucial role in supporting A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter’s mission to find loving homes for animals in need. Whether you bring your four-legged companion or walk with friends, your participation helps ensure that every pet receives the care and love they deserve. With no admission fee for the festival, donations are encouraged to help continue this important work. Don’t miss out on the post-race party featuring delicious food, live music, and plenty of celebrations! Together, let’s make a difference for our shelter animals and create lasting memories on this special day.
Organiser's Description
ALL MAKIN' STRIDES FOR STRAYS 2025 PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND HERE! [https://nated.smugmug.com/Dog-Friends/Strides-2025]
Since 1989, A.D.O.P.T. has placed over 30,000 animals into loving homes. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide pets not just life-saving care, but also the love and respect that they deserve. Makin' Strides for Strays helps us continue our commitment to rescue, compassionate care, and uniting pets with loving families "_Until Every Pet Has A Home_."
Support our mission by joining us for our cornerstone event! Participants can enjoy a timed 5K walk or run, followed by a vibrant family festival including music, unique vendors, contests, games, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Whether you're a pet lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a fun day out, Makin' Strides for Strays promises something for everyone. Bring your loved ones (pets included) and join us to make a difference in the lives of our shelter animals.
Every dollar raised for Makin' Strides for Strays 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 - either through a donation or by joining us and helping us raise money for this life-saving cause.
Your support today will make second chances possible for the animals that need us most. Together, we can make a better world. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
SCENIC COURSE: Enjoy a 3.1-mile walk/run around Mastodon Lake.
FAMILY FESTIVAL: Makin Strides for Strays isnt just a 5k, its a fest for the whole family (dogs included)! Grab a bite to eat, shop our vendors, register for a dog contest, partake in family-friendly activities & more!
CELEBRATE A.D.O.P.T.: Join us in 2026 as we celebrate the 33nd year of this beloved event!
TEAM SPIRIT: Team up with friends or Fido and conquer the 3.1 miles together.
POST-RACE PARTY: Celebrate your achievement with live music, delicious food and beverages, and plenty of high fives.
REGISTRATION INCLUDES A STRIDES T-SHIRT, A.D.O.P.T. BANDANA (FOR PETS IN ATTENDANCE), SWAG BAG & 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.
5K Day-of Registration is $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.)_
WE ENCOURAGE ALL PARTICIPANTS TO FUNDRAISE FOR THE SHELTER!
$50 RIGHT ARROW LOVE KNOWS NO BREED A.D.O.P.T. STICKER
$100 RIGHT ARROW LOVE KNOWS NO BREED A.D.O.P.T. FOLDABLE TOTE
$250 RIGHT ARROW A.D.O.P.T. ADVENTURE LEASH
$500 right arrow Love Knows No Breed Notepad + 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.
$1000 RIGHT ARROW ABOVE ITEMS + 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.
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.
Since 1989, A.D.O.P.T. has placed over 30,000 animals into loving homes. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide pets not just life-saving care, but also the love and respect that they deserve. Makin' Strides for Strays helps us continue our commitment to rescue, compassionate care, and uniting pets with loving families "_Until Every Pet Has A Home_."
Support our mission by joining us for our cornerstone event! Participants can enjoy a timed 5K walk or run, followed by a vibrant family festival including music, unique vendors, contests, games, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Whether you're a pet lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a fun day out, Makin' Strides for Strays promises something for everyone. Bring your loved ones (pets included) and join us to make a difference in the lives of our shelter animals.
Every dollar raised for Makin' Strides for Strays 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 - either through a donation or by joining us and helping us raise money for this life-saving cause.
Your support today will make second chances possible for the animals that need us most. Together, we can make a better world. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
SCENIC COURSE: Enjoy a 3.1-mile walk/run around Mastodon Lake.
FAMILY FESTIVAL: Makin Strides for Strays isnt just a 5k, its a fest for the whole family (dogs included)! Grab a bite to eat, shop our vendors, register for a dog contest, partake in family-friendly activities & more!
CELEBRATE A.D.O.P.T.: Join us in 2026 as we celebrate the 33nd year of this beloved event!
TEAM SPIRIT: Team up with friends or Fido and conquer the 3.1 miles together.
POST-RACE PARTY: Celebrate your achievement with live music, delicious food and beverages, and plenty of high fives.
REGISTRATION INCLUDES A STRIDES T-SHIRT, A.D.O.P.T. BANDANA (FOR PETS IN ATTENDANCE), SWAG BAG & 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.
5K Day-of Registration is $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.)_
WE ENCOURAGE ALL PARTICIPANTS TO FUNDRAISE FOR THE SHELTER!
$50 RIGHT ARROW LOVE KNOWS NO BREED A.D.O.P.T. STICKER
$100 RIGHT ARROW LOVE KNOWS NO BREED A.D.O.P.T. FOLDABLE TOTE
$250 RIGHT ARROW A.D.O.P.T. ADVENTURE LEASH
$500 right arrow Love Knows No Breed Notepad + 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.
$1000 RIGHT ARROW ABOVE ITEMS + 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.
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.
Races
-
5k
Incl. $3.99 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 7th June 2026 (9:30AM CDT)
$38.99
OPENS 26 MAR
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Parker Ave. & Ray Moses Dr., Aurora, 60505, IL, United States
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Makin’ Strides for Strays
