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, in the beautiful setting of Aurora, Kane. This beloved annual event invites participants to run or walk a scenic 5K around Mastodon Lake, all while supporting a noble cause. Since its inception, A.D.O.P.T. has successfully placed over 30,000 animals into loving homes, and this year’s event promises to be even more vibrant with a family festival featuring live music, unique vendors, contests, games, and a host of family-friendly activities.
Whether you’re a passionate pet lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a fun-filled day out, Makin’ Strides for Strays has something for everyone. Bring your furry friends along as you take on the 3.1-mile challenge and enjoy a post-race celebration complete with delicious food and high-energy entertainment. With each registration, participants receive a Strides t-shirt, an A.D.O.P.T. bandana, and a swag bag, while donations are encouraged to further support the shelter's mission. Don't miss the chance to make a difference and help create second chances for shelter animals—together, let's
Whether you’re a passionate pet lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a fun-filled day out, Makin’ Strides for Strays has something for everyone. Bring your furry friends along as you take on the 3.1-mile challenge and enjoy a post-race celebration complete with delicious food and high-energy entertainment. With each registration, participants receive a Strides t-shirt, an A.D.O.P.T. bandana, and a swag bag, while donations are encouraged to further support the shelter's mission. Don't miss the chance to make a difference and help create second chances for shelter animals—together, let's
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 2025 as we celebrate the 32nd 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, 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 1st 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 start Thursday, 5/29, 4 - 7 p.m., Friday, 5/30, noon - 7 p.m. and 8:30 on race day.
(Thursday and Friday pick-up at A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter.)_
WE ENCOURAGE ALL PARTICIPANTS TO FUNDRAISE FOR THE SHELTER!
$250 RIGHT ARROW A.D.O.P.T. CROSSBODY BAG.
$500 RIGHT ARROW CROSSBODY BAG PLUS YOUR NAME ADDED TO A WALKATHON PLAQUE AT OUR SHELTER.
$1000 RIGHT ARROW ABOVE ITEMS PLUS A TILE WITH THE WORDING OF YOUR CHOICE AT OUR SHELTER.
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 2025 as we celebrate the 32nd 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, 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 1st 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 start Thursday, 5/29, 4 - 7 p.m., Friday, 5/30, noon - 7 p.m. and 8:30 on race day.
(Thursday and Friday pick-up at A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter.)_
WE ENCOURAGE ALL PARTICIPANTS TO FUNDRAISE FOR THE SHELTER!
$250 RIGHT ARROW A.D.O.P.T. CROSSBODY BAG.
$500 RIGHT ARROW CROSSBODY BAG PLUS YOUR NAME ADDED TO A WALKATHON PLAQUE AT OUR SHELTER.
$1000 RIGHT ARROW ABOVE ITEMS PLUS A TILE WITH THE WORDING OF YOUR CHOICE AT OUR SHELTER.
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 26
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Phillips Park Main Pavilion, Parker Ave. & Ray Moses Dr., Aurora, 60505, IL, United States
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