Place
Parker Ave. & Ray Moses Dr.
Aurora, IL US 60505
Description
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.
What to Expect
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.
📍 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 🐾
📣 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.
If you have trouble finding us, type "Parker Ave. & Ray Moses Dr" into your GPS.
Race Day Schedule
Course Map
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Meet Our Vendors
🍴 Food & Drinks
Urban Food Truck – Fresh street food inspired by global flavors
The Vulgar Vegan – Chicago’s sassiest gourmet vegan cupcakes
Swelter Coffee – Ethically sourced specialty coffee roasted in Chicago
Sip N Slay Dirty Soda – Custom dirty sodas & fun flavors
Scooter’s Coffee Naperville – Serving pup cups for furry friends
🐾 Pet Vendors & Services
ChonkyBORK Barkery – Handmade organic gourmet cakes for dogs
Tully’s Treats – All-natural, preservative-free dog treats
Pet Wants – Fresh, small-batch pet food & nutrition
Tanimu Pet Bodega– Handmade dog bandanas & accessories
Pawtree – Holistic pet nutrition & wellness products
Our Purposeful Pet Project – Snuffle mats, toys & enrichment items
Kisses Grooming – Nail trims & pet grooming services
Paw Editorial – Dog collars, bandanas & accessories
Boujee Pups Accessories – Beaded dog necklaces & accessories
Inspired By Gooma - Handmade cards, pet bandanas & crafts
Central Bark Aurora– Doggy daycare & enrichment
🛍️ Shopping & Specialty Vendors
Honeycomb Permanent Jewelry – Permanent jewelry & charms
The Cozy Tea Co. – Global loose leaf teas
Pup Baskets – All-natural, gourmet dog gifts
MomDau Creations – Handmade resin creations, tumblers & gifts
Julia’s Jewelry – Handmade jewelry
Karen’s Cairns & Crystal Creations – Crystals, cairns & handmade goods
Essence of Reiki – Crystals, reiki & spiritual wellness
💙 Community Partners
Transformative Growth Counseling – Mental health & wellness resources
St. Sophia’s Forgotten Felines - Helping rescue cats find loving homes
Paws4Kids4Paws – Supporting pets & people
