This exciting event offers a unique way to celebrate Earth Day, support animal conservation
John Ball Zoo is offering a fun and meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day with Wild Strides 5K, an event that was a big hit last year and is expected to be even more popular in 2026.
On the evening of April 21—Earth Day Eve—this one-of-a-kind event will take participants through the Zoo grounds, along the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival pathway, and onto nearby trails. Participants will be supporting animal conservation efforts at the Zoo, staying active, and celebrating the planet all at once.
“We could not be more excited for this unique event,” said Amy Stockero, John Ball Zoo’s vice president of development. “This will be a truly special night that participants won’t soon forget. Running alongside the lanterns, the animals, and hundreds of fellow community members— all united in support of animal conservation—will be an unforgettable experience. I encourage people to register early because spots are filling quickly.”
The Zoo will host both a 5K race and a Kids Fun Run. 5K participants will receive a race t shirt, a finisher medal, and a ticket to attend the 2026 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. Kids Fun Run participants will receive a race t-shirt and a finisher medal.
The Wolverine Worldwide half-mile Kids Fun Run begins at 6 p.m. The 5K race starts at 7 p.m. for runners and at 7:10 p.m. for walkers and those pushing strollers.
The cost for the Kids Fun Run is $20. The cost for the 5K is $50.
The Zoo encourages runners, walkers, families and conservation enthusiasts to all consider attending to support the Zoo’s mission of saving wildlife and wild places.
When you register, the site will automatically create a personal fundraising page for the race to support the Zoo’s mission of conservation.
