12 running and walking events in Aurora, Illinois

Ready to run your heart out? Join us for the annual Couple Shuffle 2-mile, 5k, and 10k! Whether you're sprinting with your sweetheart or racing solo, this Valentine themed race promises a heart-pounding good time. Enjoy a course sprinkled with fun photo ops, and a finish line filled with sweet treats and high-fives. Put on your running shoes and let’s make this Valentine’s a day to remember! 💖🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️Fun for the whole family!

The fun includes-

• Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal

• Chip-timing with live results and awards

• Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line

• Plenty of fun!

Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!

Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k 12 & Under are only $17!

• 10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 2-mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)

*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!

Ready to charge straight up a sledding hill to start your race? Yep, we thought so. Race #2 of the Fox Valley Winter Challenge kicks off with a quad-burning climb that sets the tone for a seriously fun and seriously tough 8K adventure.

On February 21, we return to Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, where wide-open paths, winding woods, and a healthy dose of winter unpredictability await. The trails here roll and twist through some of our favorite terrain in the series—expect snow, ice, mud, or maybe a surprise combo of all three.

The 8K is the middle challenge of the 2026 Winter Challenge Trail Series, sandwiched between our 5K and 10K races. Whether you’re running this as a one-off or as part of the Trail Series Combo, you’re in for a legit test of winter trail toughness.

All finishers will earn a custom medal and premium cold-weather swag, plus bragging rights for conquering that beastly hill at the start. And if you're doing the full series, this race gets you one step closer to unlocking the full three-piece medal set and bonus gear.

So throw on your trail shoes, bundle up, and get ready to climb, cruise, and maybe slide your way through one of the most fun (and humbling) trail races of the season.

You can sign up 2 or 3 races from any of the race websites, however here are their specific addresses:

5K: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Batavia/FoxValleyWinterChallengeTrailSeries1

8K: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Aurora/FoxValleyWinterChallengeTrailSeries2

10K: https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/StCharles/FoxValleyWinterChallengeTrailSeries3

Question: Is it supposed to be DO NOT STOP, or DONUT STOP? Answer: YES!

Like Running or Walking? Love Donuts? This race is for you! Join us for the annual DoNot Stop Half Marathon, 5k/10k!

A donut-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.

The fun includes -

• Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal

• Chip-timing with live results and awards

• Free photos

• Delicious donut waiting at the finish line

• Plenty of fun!

Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!

Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!

*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $15

• Half Marathon registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• 1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!

• The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)

*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!

1 Mile Family Run/Walk

• Date: May 2, 2026

• Location: Steck Elementary School

• Start Time: 9:00am

• Registration Fees:

• 1 Mile fee: $22

Family of 3: $60

Family of 4: $75

Family of 5: $85

Family of 6: $95

Family of 7 or more: $100

Registration Fee Includes:

• Admission to the family post-race party.

• One t-shirt per registrant if registered before April 9th (t-shirt not guaranteed after this date)

Post Race Party

After the race join us for a FREE post-race party. We will have a DJ providing music and entertainment, free snacks, and a vendor expo which includes freebies, giveaways, demonstrations and information about all of our generous sponsors.

Walk. Run. Celebrate. Save Lives.

Join A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter for Makin' Strides for Strays — a fun, dog-friendly 5K and family festival at beautiful Phillips Park. Whether you’re running, walking, or just enjoying the day with friends (and pups!), every step supports life-saving care for animals in need.

Since 1989, A.D.O.P.T. has placed over 30,000 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.

A.D.O.P.T. volunteers with shelter dog

Our volunteers and staff make Makin’ Strides for Strays possible 💙

What to Expect

🌿 Scenic Course: Enjoy a 3.1-mile walk/run around scenic Mastodon Lake.

🎪 Family Festival: After the race, stick around for a lively family festival: music, vendors, dog contests, games, and activities for all ages (pups included!).

🐾 Team Spirit: Team up with friends (or Fido) and conquer the 3.1 miles together.

🎶 Post-Race Party: Celebrate your achievement with live music, food and beverages, and plenty of high fives.

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 fest, but donations are encouraged!

Unable to Attend?

That’s okay! Walk or run in your own neighborhood on June 7th, or stay home and gather donations to support A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter.

Pricing & Packet Pick-Up

5K Day-of Registration: $45

Race packet pick-up will take place Friday, 6/5, noon–7 p.m. and 8:30 on race day.

(Friday pick-up at A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter.)

Fundraise to Make an Even Bigger Impact 🐾

$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 PLUS 🎨 Paw-casso Experience

Create a one-of-a-kind abstract artwork alongside a shelter dog or cat during a guided enrichment session. Take home a meaningful keepsake while supporting animal wellbeing.

$1,000 → Above items PLUS choose 1 Premium Experience

📸 Pet Photo Session: Professional photo session with you and your pet. Includes a private digital gallery with downloadable images.

🐾 Choose Their Day: Help design a special enrichment day for a shelter animal with treats, toys, activities, and guided interaction. Receive photos from the experience.

📣 Fundraiser Promotion Toolkit

Ready to share your fundraiser? We’ve created graphics you can download and post on social media or include in emails to help boost 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.