Running of the Lights
- Date Thu 1st January 2026
- Time 12:00AM EST
- Location Clemmons, North Carolina
- Price $29.00 - $45.00
- Races 5 races
- Distances 5km
Top rated
This is a five star event
Event summary
Kick off the New Year in style at the Running of the Lights, taking place on January 1, 2026, in the enchanting Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, North Carolina. This unique midnight race offers participants a magical experience as they run or walk through a stunning display of holiday lights, transforming the park into a festive wonderland. Choose between the 5K Run/Walk or the 1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk, and enjoy the company of fellow participants as you toast to the New Year and watch the live feed of the Times Square Ball Drop right at the starting line.
Not only will you revel in the beautiful glow of the decorations, but you'll also earn a custom glow-in-the-dark finisher medal and receive a high-quality long-sleeve race shirt. After crossing the finish line, warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and snacks while celebrating your achievement in a lively New Year's party atmosphere. Whether you're aiming for a personal record or simply looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll with family and friends, the Running of the Lights promises a joyful way to welcome 2026. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience filled with fitness, fun, and festive memories!
Not only will you revel in the beautiful glow of the decorations, but you'll also earn a custom glow-in-the-dark finisher medal and receive a high-quality long-sleeve race shirt. After crossing the finish line, warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and snacks while celebrating your achievement in a lively New Year's party atmosphere. Whether you're aiming for a personal record or simply looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll with family and friends, the Running of the Lights promises a joyful way to welcome 2026. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience filled with fitness, fun, and festive memories!
Organiser's Description
Start your New Year with a healthy tradition at Running of the Lights! This unique January race begins at the stroke of midnight on New Years Day and takes participants on a magical run or walk through the dazzling Tanglewood Festival of Lights in Clemmons, North Carolina. Choose between the 5K Run/Walk or the 1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk and experience a one-of-a-kind course that transforms the parks Christmas wonderland into your personal race route.
Before the race, youll join hundreds of fellow participants for a celebratory toast and a live stream of the New York City Times Square Ball Drop right at the start line. At the finish, warm up with hot chocolate, snacks, and post-race cheera perfect way to celebrate the arrival of 2026.
WHY PEOPLE RUN THE RUNNING OF THE LIGHTS
* Kick off the New Year in a fun, healthy way with friends and family
* Run or walk through the lights at Tanglewood Park, normally only open to cars
* Experience a Christmas wonderland of glowing displays on foot
* Earn a custom finisher medal (2026 medal features a glow-in-the-dark snowflake)
* Receive a high-quality long-sleeve race shirt
* Enjoy a festive New Years party atmosphere at the start and finish
* Watch the Times Square Ball Drop live feed before you run
* Celebrate after with hot chocolate, snacks, and post-race camaraderie
* Access free race photos and live results
* Compete for unique awards in the 5K
EVENT DETAILS
* Date: Midnight, January 1, 2026 (race begins at the stroke of midnight)
* Location: Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC
* Distances: 5K Run/Walk or 1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk
* Registration Options: Regular Registration (shirt + medal + full perks), Economy Registration, and Virtual Registration
START YOUR YEAR BRIGHT
If youre looking for more than just a race, Running of the Lights is an experience. Families, friends, and runners of all levels gather to close out the old year and welcome the new with fitness, fun, and light-filled memories. Whether youre chasing a PR or enjoying a casual stroll, this event is the perfect way to say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026.
Before the race, youll join hundreds of fellow participants for a celebratory toast and a live stream of the New York City Times Square Ball Drop right at the start line. At the finish, warm up with hot chocolate, snacks, and post-race cheera perfect way to celebrate the arrival of 2026.
WHY PEOPLE RUN THE RUNNING OF THE LIGHTS
* Kick off the New Year in a fun, healthy way with friends and family
* Run or walk through the lights at Tanglewood Park, normally only open to cars
* Experience a Christmas wonderland of glowing displays on foot
* Earn a custom finisher medal (2026 medal features a glow-in-the-dark snowflake)
* Receive a high-quality long-sleeve race shirt
* Enjoy a festive New Years party atmosphere at the start and finish
* Watch the Times Square Ball Drop live feed before you run
* Celebrate after with hot chocolate, snacks, and post-race camaraderie
* Access free race photos and live results
* Compete for unique awards in the 5K
EVENT DETAILS
* Date: Midnight, January 1, 2026 (race begins at the stroke of midnight)
* Location: Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC
* Distances: 5K Run/Walk or 1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk
* Registration Options: Regular Registration (shirt + medal + full perks), Economy Registration, and Virtual Registration
START YOUR YEAR BRIGHT
If youre looking for more than just a race, Running of the Lights is an experience. Families, friends, and runners of all levels gather to close out the old year and welcome the new with fitness, fun, and light-filled memories. Whether youre chasing a PR or enjoying a casual stroll, this event is the perfect way to say goodbye to 2025 and hello to 2026.
Races
-
5K Run/Walk
Incl. $5.00 Fee & Long Sleeve Tech Shirt
Thu 1st January 2026 (12:00AM EST)
$45.00
Enjoy your New Year's run through 3.1ish miles of beautiful Christmas lights! This route sees the most light displays. -
Economy 5K Run/Walk
Incl. $5.00 Fee
Thu 1st January 2026 (12:00AM EST)
$37.00
Have enough race shirts and medals? Enjoy the same great race and atmosphere, minus the medal and shirt! *Economy means you will NOT receive a shirt or medal* -
1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Thu 1st January 2026 (12:00AM EST)
$32.00
This event is an easy going run or walk and still allows participants to see some fun light displays. -
Economy 1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Incl. $4.00 Fee
Thu 1st January 2026 (12:00AM EST)
$29.00
This event is an easy going run or walk and still allows participants to see some fun light displays. *Economy means you will NOT receive a shirt or medal* -
Virtual Fun Run or 5K
Incl. $5.00 Fee & Long Sleeve Tech Shirt
$40.00
Can't join us in person but still want to enjoy the fun of running on New Years? Join us virtually!
Reviews
Location
Tanglewood Park, 7714 Idols Rd, Clemmons, 27012, NC, United States
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