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 dazzling evening of fun and fitness at the Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, in Evansville, Vanderburgh! This enchanting event, held exclusively after hours at the spectacular Ritzys Fantasy of Lights, invites runners, walkers, and individuals using mobility equipment to experience the magic of the holiday season while supporting Easterseals. The 5K course, which spans approximately 2.88 miles, takes participants through three loops around Garvin Park, showcasing the breathtaking light displays along the way.
Not only can you challenge yourself with the 5K, but your registration also grants you access to the 1-Mile Walk at no extra cost! Whether you’re racing for glory or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the twinkling lights, this event promises to be a memorable experience for everyone. Join us for an evening filled with holiday cheer, friendly competition, and community spirit. Medals will be awarded to the fastest finishers, and there will be recognition for top participants in various age groups. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate the season while making a difference!
Not only can you challenge yourself with the 5K, but your registration also grants you access to the 1-Mile Walk at no extra cost! Whether you’re racing for glory or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the twinkling lights, this event promises to be a memorable experience for everyone. Join us for an evening filled with holiday cheer, friendly competition, and community spirit. Medals will be awarded to the fastest finishers, and there will be recognition for top participants in various age groups. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate the season while making a difference!
Organiser's Description
Join us for the BRIGHT LIGHTS 5K & 1-MILE WALK benefiting Easterseals!
This is the ONLY night when RITZYS FANTASY OF LIGHTS is closed to vehicle and carriage traffic and open exclusively to runners, walkers, and individuals using mobility equipment!
NO CARRIAGE RIDES
There will be no carriage rides during the Bright Lights 5K & 1-Mile Walk.
NO DOGS
Dogs are not permitted at the event, with the exception of service dogs.
Two Events. One Registration!
Registered for the 5K? Youre automatically invited to enjoy the 1-Mile Walk at no additional cost!
Run the 5K, then take a leisurely lap through the lights or simply enjoy the walk. Wed love to have you experience the magic of Ritzys Fantasy of Lights while supporting Easterseals!
Parking
* Please park in the lot next to Bosse Field or in the overflow parking area across the street on Heidelbach Avenue.
* No parking is permitted inside Garvin Park.
COURSE
The Bright Lights 5K is approximately 2.88 miles and consists of three loops around Garvin Park, taking you through the beautiful Ritzys Fantasy of Lights display!
START:
The race begins just off Morgan Avenue, inside Garvin Park, at the corner of Main Street and Morgan Avenue. Head toward the seven lighted trees, turn right, and follow the light show route.
The course loops around the back of the park, passing by all of the lighted attractions.
Continue past the fountain area to begin your second lap.
Repeat the course until you have passed the fountain area three times.
FINISH:
After completing your third lap, take a sharp right at the seven lighted trees and head back toward the Main Street and Morgan Avenue starting point.
Medals will be awarded to the first finishers!
FOR 5K WALKERS
If you are participating in the 5K as a walker, please maintain a pace that allows you to complete the course within one hour. Please also be mindful of runners and allow them to pass safely.
If you would prefer to take your time, enjoy the lights, or stop for photos, we encourage you to complete the 5K and then take another lap or two during the Bright Lights Walk at 6:30 p.m. Your 5K registration includes the 1-Mile Walk at no additional cost!
AWARDS
Overall Male and Female winners will be recognized.
Awards will also be presented to the top two male and female finishers in each of the following age groups:
* 19
* 1014
* 1519
* 2029
* 3039
* 4049
* 5059
* 6069
* 7079
* 80+
PACKET PICKUP AT ULTIMATE FIT
To help reduce traffic and lines on race night, we encourage you to pick up your race bib and shirt in advance at Ultimate Fit, 1412 S. Green River Road, Evansville.
Tuesday, December 1
alarm clock 330 p.m.
You may also pick up packets for friends, family members, or other participants!
Unable to make it to Ultimate Fit? No problem! Race-day packet pickup will be available at Garvin Park on Wednesday, December 2, from 330 p.m. at the Run/Walk tent near the starting line.
This is the ONLY night when RITZYS FANTASY OF LIGHTS is closed to vehicle and carriage traffic and open exclusively to runners, walkers, and individuals using mobility equipment!
NO CARRIAGE RIDES
There will be no carriage rides during the Bright Lights 5K & 1-Mile Walk.
NO DOGS
Dogs are not permitted at the event, with the exception of service dogs.
Two Events. One Registration!
Registered for the 5K? Youre automatically invited to enjoy the 1-Mile Walk at no additional cost!
Run the 5K, then take a leisurely lap through the lights or simply enjoy the walk. Wed love to have you experience the magic of Ritzys Fantasy of Lights while supporting Easterseals!
Parking
* Please park in the lot next to Bosse Field or in the overflow parking area across the street on Heidelbach Avenue.
* No parking is permitted inside Garvin Park.
COURSE
The Bright Lights 5K is approximately 2.88 miles and consists of three loops around Garvin Park, taking you through the beautiful Ritzys Fantasy of Lights display!
START:
The race begins just off Morgan Avenue, inside Garvin Park, at the corner of Main Street and Morgan Avenue. Head toward the seven lighted trees, turn right, and follow the light show route.
The course loops around the back of the park, passing by all of the lighted attractions.
Continue past the fountain area to begin your second lap.
Repeat the course until you have passed the fountain area three times.
FINISH:
After completing your third lap, take a sharp right at the seven lighted trees and head back toward the Main Street and Morgan Avenue starting point.
Medals will be awarded to the first finishers!
FOR 5K WALKERS
If you are participating in the 5K as a walker, please maintain a pace that allows you to complete the course within one hour. Please also be mindful of runners and allow them to pass safely.
If you would prefer to take your time, enjoy the lights, or stop for photos, we encourage you to complete the 5K and then take another lap or two during the Bright Lights Walk at 6:30 p.m. Your 5K registration includes the 1-Mile Walk at no additional cost!
AWARDS
Overall Male and Female winners will be recognized.
Awards will also be presented to the top two male and female finishers in each of the following age groups:
* 19
* 1014
* 1519
* 2029
* 3039
* 4049
* 5059
* 6069
* 7079
* 80+
PACKET PICKUP AT ULTIMATE FIT
To help reduce traffic and lines on race night, we encourage you to pick up your race bib and shirt in advance at Ultimate Fit, 1412 S. Green River Road, Evansville.
Tuesday, December 1
alarm clock 330 p.m.
You may also pick up packets for friends, family members, or other participants!
Unable to make it to Ultimate Fit? No problem! Race-day packet pickup will be available at Garvin Park on Wednesday, December 2, from 330 p.m. at the Run/Walk tent near the starting line.
Races
-
Bright Lights 5K
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Wed 2nd December 2026 (5:45PM CST)
$27.50
You may choose to run or walk the course. If you choose to walk, please maintain a brisk pace to help clear the course before the leisurely walkers begin. If youd like to take photos or enjoy the lights at a more leisurely pace, we encourage you to complete your first lap, cross the finish line, and then take another lap or two with participants in the Bright Lights Walk at 6:30 p.m. Best of all, your paid registration and bib allow you to participate in the Bright Lights Walk at no additional cost! -
Bright Lights 1-Mile Walk
Incl. $1.30 Fee
Wed 2nd December 2026 (6:30PM CST)
$6.30
The Bright Lights 1-Mile Walk is a non-competitive event. There are no awards or T-shirts provided for these participants. Check-In & Start Check-in will take place at the designated Walk tent, which will be clearly marked. Participants may begin the walk anytime between 6:30 & 8:00pm Please begin your walk at the designated starting area, which will also be clearly marked. The lights will go out at 9:00 p.m., so no new walkers will be permitted to begin after 8:00 p.m. Walking With a Group? If you would like to register more than four walkers, please contact Sara McKeehan at smckeehan@evansvillerehab.com for assistance. paw prints Please note: Dogs are not permitted at this event, with the exception of service dogs. sparkles Come enjoy the lights, make some memories, and experience Ritzys Fantasy of Lights on foot!
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23 Don Mattingly Way, Evansville, 47711, IN, United States
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Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk
