Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk
- Date Wed 2nd December 2026
- Time 5:45PM CST
- Location Evansville, Indiana
- Price $6.30 - $27.50
- Races 2 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for a magical evening of fitness and fun at the Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, in Evansville, Vanderburgh! This unique event offers participants the chance to explore the enchanting Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights, as the park will be exclusively open to runners, walkers, and those using mobility equipment for one special night. The 5K course, which spans approximately 2.88 miles, features three loops around Garvin Park, showcasing all the stunning light displays. Plus, participants in the 5K can enjoy the 1-mile walk at no extra cost!
With medals awarded to the first 400 finishers, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Don't miss out on the opportunity to compete for awards in various age categories, from 1 to 80+, and make sure to pick up your race packet in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. Join us for an evening filled with community spirit, holiday cheer, and a celebration of health and wellness at the Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk!
With medals awarded to the first 400 finishers, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Don't miss out on the opportunity to compete for awards in various age categories, from 1 to 80+, and make sure to pick up your race packet in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. Join us for an evening filled with community spirit, holiday cheer, and a celebration of health and wellness at the Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk!
Organiser's Description
JOIN US FOR BRIGHT LIGHTS 5K & 1-MILE WALK FOR EASTERSEALS! THIS IS THE _ONLY NIGHT _WHEN RITZY'S FANTASY OF LIGHTS WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLE AND CARRIAGE TRAFFIC AND OPEN ONLY FOR RUNNERS, WALKERS, AND PEOPLE USING MOBILITY EQUIPMENT!
THERE WILL BE NO CARRIAGE RIDES ON THIS NIGHT.
NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED AT THE EVENT (EXCEPT FOR SERVICE DOGS).
IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE 5K, YOU CAN ENJOY THE 1-MILE WALK AT NO ADDITIONAL COST!
PARKING
* Please park in the lot next to Bosse Field or the overflow area across the street on Heidelbach Ave.
* No parking is allowed inside Garvin Park.
COURSE
* The 5K (2.88 miles) consists of three loops around Garvin Park.
* START: Just off Morgan Ave inside Garvin Park, run/walk at the corner of Main Street and Morgan Avenue, go toward the 7 lighted trees, turn right, and follow the light show route.
* The course loops around the back of the park, passing all lighted attractions.
* A water stop is located near the end of loop one.
* Continue past the fountain area to begin lap two and repeat until you have passed the fountain three times.
* FINISH: After the third lap, take a sharp right at the 7 lighted trees and head back to the Main Street and Morgan Avenue starting point. MEDALS WILL BE GIVEN TO THE FIRST 400 FINISHERS.
*
_WALKERS PARTICIPATING IN THE 5K: PLEASE KEEP A PACE TO COMPLETE THE RACE WITHIN AN HOUR. PLEASE ALLOW RUNNERS TO PASS YOU._
AWARDS
* Overall Male and Female winners will be awarded.
Awards will also be given to the top two males and females in each of the following age groups:
* 1-9
* 10-14
* 15-19
* 20-29
* 30-39
* 40-49
* 50-59
* 60-69
* 70-79
* 80+
PACKET PICKUP AT ULTIMATE FIT ON DECEMBER 2ND
*
* To reduce traffic on race night, please pick up your bib and shirt at Ultimate Fit (1412 S. Green River Road, Evansville) on Tuesday, December 2, from 3:30-6:30 PM.
* You may pick up packets for others as well.
* If you cannot make it to Ultimate Fit, pickup will be available at Garvin Park on event night, Wednesday, December 3, from 3:30-5:30 PM at the Run/Walk tent near the starting line.
NEW FOR 2025!
FINISHER MEDALS FOR THE FIRST 400 TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE!
WE KNOW EVERYONE WANTS ONE AND WE WANT YOU TO HAVE ONE TOO!
PLEASE COME BACK FOR MORE EXCITING UPDATES TO BE POSTED FOR OUR 10TH YEAR! WE ARE STILL WORKING ON THE BEST YEAR YET!
THERE WILL BE NO CARRIAGE RIDES ON THIS NIGHT.
NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED AT THE EVENT (EXCEPT FOR SERVICE DOGS).
IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE 5K, YOU CAN ENJOY THE 1-MILE WALK AT NO ADDITIONAL COST!
PARKING
* Please park in the lot next to Bosse Field or the overflow area across the street on Heidelbach Ave.
* No parking is allowed inside Garvin Park.
COURSE
* The 5K (2.88 miles) consists of three loops around Garvin Park.
* START: Just off Morgan Ave inside Garvin Park, run/walk at the corner of Main Street and Morgan Avenue, go toward the 7 lighted trees, turn right, and follow the light show route.
* The course loops around the back of the park, passing all lighted attractions.
* A water stop is located near the end of loop one.
* Continue past the fountain area to begin lap two and repeat until you have passed the fountain three times.
* FINISH: After the third lap, take a sharp right at the 7 lighted trees and head back to the Main Street and Morgan Avenue starting point. MEDALS WILL BE GIVEN TO THE FIRST 400 FINISHERS.
*
_WALKERS PARTICIPATING IN THE 5K: PLEASE KEEP A PACE TO COMPLETE THE RACE WITHIN AN HOUR. PLEASE ALLOW RUNNERS TO PASS YOU._
AWARDS
* Overall Male and Female winners will be awarded.
Awards will also be given to the top two males and females in each of the following age groups:
* 1-9
* 10-14
* 15-19
* 20-29
* 30-39
* 40-49
* 50-59
* 60-69
* 70-79
* 80+
PACKET PICKUP AT ULTIMATE FIT ON DECEMBER 2ND
*
* To reduce traffic on race night, please pick up your bib and shirt at Ultimate Fit (1412 S. Green River Road, Evansville) on Tuesday, December 2, from 3:30-6:30 PM.
* You may pick up packets for others as well.
* If you cannot make it to Ultimate Fit, pickup will be available at Garvin Park on event night, Wednesday, December 3, from 3:30-5:30 PM at the Run/Walk tent near the starting line.
NEW FOR 2025!
FINISHER MEDALS FOR THE FIRST 400 TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE!
WE KNOW EVERYONE WANTS ONE AND WE WANT YOU TO HAVE ONE TOO!
PLEASE COME BACK FOR MORE EXCITING UPDATES TO BE POSTED FOR OUR 10TH YEAR! WE ARE STILL WORKING ON THE BEST YEAR YET!
Races
-
Bright Lights 5K
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Wed 2nd December 2026 (5:45PM CST)
$27.50
You may run this race or walk. If you choose to walk, please try and keep a fast pace in order to help clear the course for when the leisurely walkers will begin. If you wish to take photos while out walking, consider taking another lap or two after crossing the finish line and walking with those who will be doing the Bright Lights Walk at 6:30. With your paid registration and bib, you can walk at no extra cost. -
Bright Lights 1-Mile Walk
Incl. $1.30 Fee
Wed 2nd December 2026 (6:30PM CST)
$6.30
*Please note that we do not allow dogs at this event* This is a non-competitive walk only. There are no awards or t-shirts for this event. Check in is at the tent specified for walkers and will be marked. We ask that you begin the walk at the designated area (which will be marked) anytime from 6:30 until 8:30 PM. The lights will go out at 9:00 PM so we will not allow new walkers to begin after 8:30. *IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP MORE THAN FOUR WALKERS, PLEASE CONTACT SARA MCKEEHAN AT SMCKEEHAN@EVANSVILLEREHAB.COM
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23 Don Mattingly Way, Evansville, 47711, IN, United States
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Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk
