WRC

Makin’ Strides for Strays

location_on

calendar_today 07 Jun, 2026

directions_run Running

language Official Website

sell $35

About the Event

All Makin' Strides for Strays 2025 photos can be found here! 📷

 

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 isn’t just a 5k, it’s 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 ➡ A.D.O.P.T. Crossbody Bag. 
$500 ➡ Crossbody bag PLUS your name added to a Walkathon Plaque at our shelter.
$1000 ➡ 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 Offered

5k

Jun 07, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:30

sell

$35.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for June in Aurora.

Temp (°C)
Feels Like (°C)
thermostat 16.9° / 28.6°
wb_sunny 16.1° / 27.5°
Wind (km/h)
Humidity (%)
air 12.8 /
water_drop 63.6%

About Aurora

Scenic view of

Aurora is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois, located about 35 miles west of Chicago. It's at the very edge of Chicagoland and, situated on the Fox River, has many opportunities for urban, suburban, and rural recreation. Often overlooked, Aurora in fact has many surprisingly interesting attractions and a downtown unlike that of a typical suburb. It is probably best known for being the setting of the "Wayne's World" movies.

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