Makin’ Strides for Strays 2026 — Aurora, IL

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 you’re 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. 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! Participate Virtually Can’t 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 noon–7:00 PM 📍 Race day beginning at 8:30 AM Fundraise to Make an Even Bigger Impact 🐾 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 Banner Image (Websites): Download Here 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. 📍 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.