GRAND RAPIDS, MI — John Ball Zoo will host its Wild Strides 5K on the evening of April 21, offering runners and walkers a chance to support animal conservation while celebrating Earth Day eve.
The event will take participants through the zoo grounds, along the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival pathway and onto nearby trails. The race returns after a successful debut last year and is expected to draw even larger crowds in 2026.
“This will be a truly special night that participants won’t soon forget,” said Amy Stockero, the zoo’s vice president of development. “Running alongside the lanterns, the animals, and hundreds of fellow community members—all united in support of animal conservation—will be an unforgettable experience.”
Stockero encouraged people to register early because spots are filling quickly.
The zoo will offer both a 5K race and a Kids Fun Run. The Wolverine Worldwide half-mile Kids Fun Run starts at 6 p.m., while the 5K begins at 7 p.m. for runners and 7:10 p.m. for walkers and those pushing strollers.
Registration costs $50 for the 5K and $20 for the Kids Fun Run. All 5K participants will receive a race t-shirt, finisher medal and a ticket to attend the 2026 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. Kids Fun Run participants will receive a race t-shirt and finisher medal.
The zoo will automatically create a personal fundraising page for each registrant to support its conservation mission of saving wildlife and wild places.
To register, go here.
