Wild Strides 5K Presented by Triangle
- Date Tue 21st April 2026
- Time 6:00PM EDT
- Location Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Price $16.90 - $48.70
- Races 4 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join the vibrant celebration of Earth Day at the Wild Strides 5K on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Kent! This exciting evening event invites runners, walkers, families, and conservation enthusiasts to unite in support of wildlife and wild places. The 5K course begins at the zoo, meandering along the picturesque Kent Trail and finishing inside the zoo, where participants will be treated to the breathtaking displays of the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival.
All entrants in the 5K will receive an official race t-shirt, a finisher medal, and a ticket to the 2026 Lantern Festival, making this a memorable experience for everyone involved. Young runners can also get in on the fun with the Wolverine Worldwide Youth Half-Mile, a spirited race designed just for kids, complete with their own race t-shirt and finisher medal. The festivities kick off at 5:30 PM with a lively pre- and post-race party featuring face painting, inflatables, a DJ, and delicious food from local favorites like Taquero Mucho Food Truck and Kona Ice. Come early, stay late, and immerse yourself in the Wild Strides experience that celebrates community, conservation, and the spirit of Earth Day!
All entrants in the 5K will receive an official race t-shirt, a finisher medal, and a ticket to the 2026 Lantern Festival, making this a memorable experience for everyone involved. Young runners can also get in on the fun with the Wolverine Worldwide Youth Half-Mile, a spirited race designed just for kids, complete with their own race t-shirt and finisher medal. The festivities kick off at 5:30 PM with a lively pre- and post-race party featuring face painting, inflatables, a DJ, and delicious food from local favorites like Taquero Mucho Food Truck and Kona Ice. Come early, stay late, and immerse yourself in the Wild Strides experience that celebrates community, conservation, and the spirit of Earth Day!
Organiser's Description
Celebrate Earth Day with John Ball Zoos WILD STRIDES 5K PRESENTED BY TRIANGLE! This unique evening event brings together runners, walkers, families, and conservation enthusiasts to support the Zoos mission of saving wildlife and wild places.
The 5K course begins at the Zoo and joins the scenic Kent Trail and finishes inside the Zoo, running past the stunning Grand Rapids Lantern Festival displays for a truly one-of-a-kind race experience. All 5K participants receive an official race t-shirt, finisher medal, and a ticket to attend the 2026 Lantern Festival.
Young runners can participate in the WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE YOUTH HALF-MILE, a fun and energetic race designed just for kids. Youth participants receive a race t-shirt and finisher medal.
The celebration begins at 5:30 PM with a lively pre- and post-race party featuring face painting, inflatables, a DJ, and local favorites TAQUERO MUCHO FOOD TRUCK AND KONA ICE. Come early, stay late, and enjoy the full Wild Strides experience.
Wild Strides is more than just a race its a celebration of community, conservation, and kicking off Earth Day together.
The 5K course begins at the Zoo and joins the scenic Kent Trail and finishes inside the Zoo, running past the stunning Grand Rapids Lantern Festival displays for a truly one-of-a-kind race experience. All 5K participants receive an official race t-shirt, finisher medal, and a ticket to attend the 2026 Lantern Festival.
Young runners can participate in the WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE YOUTH HALF-MILE, a fun and energetic race designed just for kids. Youth participants receive a race t-shirt and finisher medal.
The celebration begins at 5:30 PM with a lively pre- and post-race party featuring face painting, inflatables, a DJ, and local favorites TAQUERO MUCHO FOOD TRUCK AND KONA ICE. Come early, stay late, and enjoy the full Wild Strides experience.
Wild Strides is more than just a race its a celebration of community, conservation, and kicking off Earth Day together.
Races
-
5K Run
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt
Tue 21st April 2026 (7:00PM EDT)
$48.70
5K participants will receive a race t-shirt, finishers medal, and ticket to attend the 2026 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. -
5K Fun Run/Walk
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt
Tue 21st April 2026 (7:10PM EDT)
$48.70
5K participants will receive a race t-shirt, finishers medal, and ticket to attend the 2026 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. -
Wolverine Worldwide Kids Half Mile
Incl. $1.90 Fee & T-Shirt
Tue 21st April 2026 (6:00PM EDT)
$16.90
Child participants will receive a race t-shirt and finishers medal. If needed, one adult is welcome to participate in the half mile to assist their child(ren). -
Virtual Participation
Incl. $3.40 Fee & T-Shirt
$43.40
Virtual 5K participants will receive a race t-shirt, finishers medal, and ticket to attend the 2026 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. The items will be mailed to you upon your request - please contact wildstrides@jbzoo.org to coordinate.
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1300 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids, 49504, MI, United States
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Wild Strides 5K Presented by Triangle
