Johns Hopkins Below the Belt Stride and Thrive 5K, Presented by 2Moms Media

Join us for an unforgettable morning on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at the Maryland Zoo for the Below the Belt Stride and Thrive 5K, Presented by 2Moms Media – where every step makes a difference in the fight against gynecologic cancers!

Experience the magic as cancer survivors, families, healthcare heroes, and community members come together at this extraordinary new venue to walk, run, and celebrate hope. This isn't just another 5K – it's a powerful movement supporting world-class cancer care and groundbreaking research at Johns Hopkins Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, where survival rates double through specialized care.

Whether you're sprinting past zebras, jogging by giraffes, or walking with friends, your participation helps fund innovative treatments that transform laboratory breakthroughs into life-saving care. Bring the whole family for a day of inspiration, education, and solidarity with survivors who remind us that no one faces cancer alone.

Ready to make history in the fight against below-the-belt cancers? Register today and start your fundraising journey. Together, we'll stride toward a future where every woman has access to expert care and better outcomes.

Date and Location

Sunday, June 1, 2025

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
1 Safari Place
Baltimore, MD US 21217
Visit the Maryland Zoo's website for directions. 

Registration Options

This year we are offering four registration options:

• 5K Run/Walk
• 1-Mile Walk
• Virtual Participation with T-shirt
• Virtual Participation without T-shirt - FREE!

Please note, children under the age of 2 are free and do not need to register for the race.

As of 5/24/2025, T-shirt size choices are limited to the available remaining quantiites. Please choose from among the remaining available sizes as some sizes have sold out!  If you are unable to select your desired size, you may be able to swap out your shirt for a different size on race day. 

Registration Benefits

Your registration includes the following:

• Race t-shirt (unless you are a free virtual participant)
• Single entry into the Maryland Zoo
• Access to the event village, which will include a variety of vendor tents and activities
• Post-race beverages and snacks
• Blank lawn signs (available at early packet pick-up) Saturday, May 31 on a first-come first-served basis to honor someone special in your life who has been impacted by gynecologic cancer. Take a sign home to decorate that evening then bring it back on race day to place along our Warriors Walk pathway. We'll provide decorative items at packet pick-up to help with your creation.

Schedule of Events

7:00 a.m. - Race Day Check-in/packet pick-up opens
                 All onsite activities and Event Village tents open
7:55 a.m. - On-stage Program begins
8:30 a.m. - 5K Run/1 Mile Walk starts
9:30 a.m. - Post race ceremony begins (top fundraisers, teams, Survivor Impact and Advocacy Award, and finisher awards)
10:00 a.m. - Meet Animal Ambassador 1
10:30 a.m. - Meet Animal Ambassador 2
11:00 a.m. - Onsite activities, vendor tents close, event ends

Event Village Activities

• Education and Resources: Visit our hospital partner tents for valuable education materials and resources about below-the-belt health conditions.
• The first 200 participants to visit the 2Moms Media sponsor tent will receive a free branded beach ball – the perfect summer souvenir!
• Health and Wellness: Stop by Patient First's tent for complimentary blood pressure checks to ensure you're race-ready.
• Bring the little ones for a morning of fun kids activities featuring:
• Face painting and glitter tattoos by Vivid Colors
• Fairy hair sparkles by Magical Mysteries
• Creative kids crafts
• Main Stage Program: Our special event program begins at 7:55 a.m. sharp on the main stage and will include special guest speakers Dr. Redonda Miller, Dr. Andrew Satin and Dr. Rebecca Stone.
• Animal Ambassadors: Meet two of our zoo friends on site from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
• Post-Race Program: Our Survivor Impact and Advocacy Award, Julie Smith Courage Award, top fundraisers and team awards, and top finisher medals will be presented starting at 9:30 a.m.

Parking

Free parking is available onsite and a short distance to the registration area.

Strollers and Pets

While our 5K and 1-Mile course are both stroller-friendly, participants with strollers should stay towards the back of the start line to avoid accidentally blocking or injuring faster runners. Strollers can be difficult to maneuver in crowded conditions, so keeping them out of the main racing traffic helps ensure the safety of both the stroller pusher and other participants.

Due to the safety of zoo animals, pets will not be allowed onsite.

Post-Race Zoo Access

The Maryland Zoo will open to the public beginning at 10:00 a.m. Once open, you will have the option to re-enter the zoo.

For those that wish to re-enter the zoo, onsite race announcements will be made with a location to pick up your wristband for all-day access.

We kindly ask if you are an annual zoo member you head to the main entrance and enter through the check-in gate. This will avoid us from incurring additional fees for your entry and more money will be able to be directed to our mission.

The Violet Project - Period Product Donation Drive

You can extend your impact beyond below-the-belt cancers by bringing period products including pads, tampons and liners to donate to The Violet Project. Simply visit their tent to drop your donations in the collection bin, or contribute through their Amazon Wishlist if you can't bring items on race day. Your generous donations ensure that period poverty doesn't prevent young people from fully participating in school, work or daily activities.