Wild Strides 5K
Wild Strides 5K is a running race on April 20, 2027 in Grand Rapids, MI, with entry fees from $15 to $40.
- Date
- April 20, 2027 (201 days to go)
- Price
- $15–$40
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
Celebrate Earth Day with John Ball Zoo at the Wild Strides 5K & Kids Half Mile, an evening of movement, family fun, and wildlife!
The Wild Strides 5K starts at John Ball Zoo, winds through the scenic Kent Trail, and finishes inside the Zoo. Runners and walkers will experience a unique course surrounded by nature and the sights and sounds of the Zoo. All 5K participants receive an official race T-shirt, finisher medal, and a ticket to the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival.
Our Kids Half Mile is a fun, energetic race designed especially for young runners, with the entire course taking place inside John Ball Zoo! Kids will race through the Zoo for a one-of-a-kind experience before crossing the finish line and celebrating their accomplishment. All Kids Half Mile participants receive a race T-shirt and finisher medal.
But Wild Strides is more than just a race! The Race Day Village will be the place to kick off the celebration and stick around after the finish. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including a bounce house, face painting, a DJ, food trucks and local booths, ambassador animals, and opportunities to learn more about the Zoo and the wildlife we work to protect. There will be plenty to see, do, and enjoy for the whole family.
Whether you're racing the 5K, cheering on a young runner, or simply joining us for the celebration, Wild Strides is a fun way to get moving, connect with your community, and kick off Earth Day at the Zoo.
Come run wild, celebrate Earth Day, and make an evening of it at John Ball Zoo!
📍 EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Tuesday, April 20, 2027
LOCATION: John Ball Zoo: 1300 Fulton Street West, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
SCHEDULE:
- Packet Pickup & Pre Race Festivities - 5:00 PM
- Kids Half Mile - 6:00 PM
- 5K Race - 7:00 PM
- 5K Fun Run/Walk - 7:10 PM
🅿️ PARKING: All participants should park in the John Ball Zoo parking lots
- Parking is free for all participants and spectators.
- When you arrive, you may need to take a ticket at the gate, but no payment or validation is required.
- Exit gates will open automatically on race night.
- Please follow directional signage and staff guidance
- We recommend arriving early to allow time for parking & check-in
Events
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
59°
Typical Low
36°
Chance of Rain
46%
Based on US Climate Normals data from E Grand Rapids, 5 mi from the venue.
About Grand Rapids, MI
Population
197,768
as of 2023
City Elevation
741 ft
Nearest Airport
GRR
Gerald R. Ford International Airport · 8 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Wild Strides 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
201
Days to train
- Race
- Wild Strides 5K
- Date
- April 20, 2027
Want more races like this?
Enter your email and we'll send more your way.
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
More Running races near Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wild Strides 5K?
When and where is the Wild Strides 5K?
How do I register for the Wild Strides 5K?
Wild Strides 5K
Apr 20, 2027