Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk
Wed, Dec 2, 2026, 12:45 PM CST
- Type
- Walk
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
Run or walk through a dazzling light display at Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights, exclusively open for this event supporting Easterseals.
- Fun
- Scenic
- Competitive
- Quirky
- Festive
Fun
Scenic
Competitive
Quirky
FestiveGreat for
- Beginner Friendly
Beginner FriendlyExperience the magic of the Bright Lights 5K & 1-Mile Walk, an exclusive evening event supporting Easterseals. This unique race offers the only opportunity to run or walk through Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights, which is specially closed to vehicle traffic for participants. Enjoy three loops around Garvin Park, passing numerous lighted attractions and festive displays. It's a wonderful way to embrace the season while contributing to a meaningful cause.
What to expect
- Enjoy exclusive access to Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights, transformed into a dazzling course just for runners and walkers.
- The 5K features three loops around Garvin Park, showcasing all the festive lighted attractions.
- Finishers will receive a medal, with awards for top overall and age group placements.
Standout details
- Exclusive access to Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights
- Run through a dazzling light show
- Finisher medals for the first 400
- Awards for overall and age group winners
Perks & features
- Dog-Friendly
- Medal
Dog-Friendly
MedalFrom the public listing; confirm on the official site.
Distances & registration
2 optionsUse the official signup link above for all distances.
2.88 Miles
1 option · closes Dec 2, 2026, 12:15 PM CST
7mo 4d 5h 5m leftBright Lights 5K
Closes Dec 2, 2026, 12:15 PM CST · From $27.50
Other options
1 option · closes Dec 2, 2026, 3:30 PM CST
7mo 4d 8h 20m leftBright Lights 1-Mile Walk
Closes Dec 2, 2026, 3:30 PM CST · From $6.30
Summaries use public event text. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official page before you sign up.
From the organizer
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!