Wild Strides 5K Presented by Triangle

Celebrate Earth Day with John Ball Zoo’s Wild Strides 5K presented by Triangle! This unique evening event brings together runners, walkers, families, and conservation enthusiasts to support the Zoo’s mission of saving wildlife and wild places.

The 5K course begins at the Zoo and joins the scenic Kent Trail and finishes inside the Zoo, running past the stunning Grand Rapids Lantern Festival displays for a truly one-of-a-kind race experience. All 5K participants receive an official race t-shirt, finisher medal, and a ticket to attend the 2026 Lantern Festival.

Young runners can participate in the Wolverine Worldwide Youth Half-Mile, a fun and energetic race designed just for kids. Youth participants receive a race t-shirt and finisher medal.

The celebration begins at 5:30 PM with a lively pre- and post-race party featuring face painting, inflatables, music  and local favorites Taquero Mucho Food Truck, Pizza Parliament and Kona Ice. Come early, stay late, and enjoy the full Wild Strides experience.

Wild Strides is more than just a race — it’s a celebration of community, conservation, and kicking off Earth Day together.

📍 EVENT DETAILS 

DATE: Tuesday, April 21

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

Run Wild, Young Striders!

Designed just for kids, the Wolverine Worldwide Youth Half-Mile is an exciting, high-energy half mile experience that takes place entirely inside John Ball Zoo.

This race is the perfect introduction to running and a fun way to build confidence, celebrate movement, and be part of something special.

Race Details:

📅 April 21, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM Start
📍 John Ball Zoo Main Entrance 

The race is approximately a half-mile and designed with young runners in mind - entirely in the Zoo!

What Kids Receive:

Every participant receives:

• Official Wild Strides race t-shirt
• Finisher Medal
• The thrill of crossing a real finish line
• A cheering Crowd

No matter their speed, every child is celebrated!

Fun For The Whole Family!

The fun begins at 5:30pm with:

🎧 DJ & Music
🎨 Facepainting
🏰 Inflatables
🌮 Taquero Mucho Food Truck
🍧 Kona Ice

Families are encouraged to come early and stay after to enjoy the full Wild Strides experience!

We are excited to offer three pre-race packet pickup times for you to save time and skip the line day of the race! See below for dates and times. All packet pickups will be at John Ball Zoo located by the Front Plaza Area by entrance going in to the Zoo. If you are unable to make it prior to the race, we will be ready to go at 5PM day of the race for you to check-in and receive your bib and tshirt. 

Location: 
John Ball Zoo
1300 Fulton St. W
Front Plaza Area by Entrance of Zoo 

Dates & Times

• Wednesday, April 15th: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM - AT GOEI CENTER
• Friday, April 17th: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• Monday, April 20th: 1:00 PM - 5:00PM
• Day of Race starting at 5:00PM. 

What to Expect: 
You will receive the following at packet pickup: 

• Bib Number
• T-Shirt
• Lanterns Voucher (5K participants only)