Run VibesBeta

Race profile

Glow in the Garden 5k

5K · Fun Run

Sep 18, 2026 · Rockford, Illinois, US

Listed Apr 28, 2018

The read

Run Vibes summary

Summarization pending

AI summarization pending

We haven’t generated Run Vibes’ quick-read summary for this race yet—it’s in the enrichment queue and will appear here soon with notes on vibe, race-day feel, and who the event suits best.

Until then, open Original listing below for the full source description, and double-check anything important on the organizer’s page.

Original listingFull description from sourceExpand the official listing text (unchanged)

Come glow with us! Flat and scenic course along the Rock River Recreation Path and Nicholas Conservatory/Sinnissippi Gardens. Wear anything that glows! Black lights and other fun glow surprises throughout the course.

 

5k registration includes T-shirt, beverage ticket, and admission ticket to Nicholas Conservatory. (UPDATE: We have run out of some shirt sizes. Some "vintage" Ts from previous years will be available while supplies last!)

 

Registration Periods:
Early Bird ($30): Now through August 17
Regular Rate, online ($35): August 18 through September 18 (10 am)
Regular Rate, in-person registration-only ($35): September 18, 11:30 am - 5:30 pm (at Nicholas Conservatory) 
Day-of Registration: September 19, 6-7 pm (at 5k start time)

Packet Pick-Up: 
THURSDAY, September 18
11:30am - 5:30pm

Nicholas Conservatory
1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL
(pick-up will also be available Friday 6-7:15 pm at the race start)

Day-Of Registration:
Friday, September 19
(Friday) is at the glowing arch/start line (on the rec path, just south of the Nicholas Conservatory) starting at 6pm. Day-of registration is $40. (Cash or card)

 

Location & Parking:
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL

Allow ample time for parking! Parking is available in both Nicholas Conservatory lots. Overflow parking is also available at the YMCA to the south. Additional overflow parking is available at the Symbol parking lot north of the Conservatory (accessible through the Southbound lane of North 2nd Street).


Course: 

Starting just south of Nicholas Conservatory, the course runs north along the Rock River Recreation Path, into Loves Park (up Illinois St., left on Snow Ave., left on Arlington, left on Ransom), then right turn back south to the Nicholas Conservatory. Lots of glowing fun along the way! (Most areas will be light enough to see, but if you feel uncertain, bring a flashlight or headlamp.)

 

Time & Start:
5k starts at 7:30 pm just south of Nicholas Conservatory - Look for the glowing arch! The race is chip-timed.

 

FREE Kids 100 Meter Fun Run:
Starts at 7 pm at the glowing pillars just outside of Nicholas Conservatory and runs south on the path to the glowing arch. Stop by the packet pick-up table for a free glow bracelet! (No need to register or check-in, kids can simply show up at the start and run... for fun!)

Trolley Shuttle:
Trolley Car 36 will be shuttling guests along the Riverfront from YMCA to Symbol - it is FREE but donations are appreciated!


Awards:

8:30 pm at the glowing arch start/finish.

 

Food Trucks:
Stay tuned for which food trucks will be available. 

Show Us Your Glow!
Paint your face, glam your shirts, and GLOW have fun! Most of the course is decked out with laser lights, black lights, uplights, and more. 

Nicholas Conservatory:
The inside gardens, Nicholas Conservatory, will be closed during Glow in the Garden, but come back before October 19 to check out this summer and fall's exhibit, Dinosaurs of the Forgotten Forest (www.nicholasconservatory.com).

 

Wishing Lanterns & Other Activities:
Stick around after the race for Glow in the Garden Wishing Lanterns on the Eclipse Lagoon ($5 per lantern) and family games and activities in the outdoor gardens. If you purchase a wishing lantern with your race registration, your wishing lantern will be in your erace packet.

Walkers and runners of all abilities are welcome! Unfortunately, due to the width of the path and number of people on the path, we cannot allow strollers or dogs. Thank you for your understanding!

More races

More events in Illinois, and comparable distances or challenge.

Lucky Dog Virtual 5K

5K · Walk

3/28/2026 · Anywhere, IL

Listed Nov 29, 2021

Register
Cause DrivenEasygoingBeginner-friendlyAwardsMedals

Support animal shelters with the Lucky Dog Virtual 5K, a flexible run or walk you can do anywhere, anytime, even with your furry friend!

Hangover Run

5K · Fun Run · Walk

3/28/2026 · Decatur, IL

Listed Feb 13, 2026

Register
FunEasygoingBeginner-friendly

Join Fleet Feet for a fun 1-3 mile run/walk featuring demo shoes, giveaways, and post-run Bloody Marys and snacks, perfect for a relaxed morning.

Bruce Johnson Memorial Farm to Farm 5K/10K Run

10K · 5K · Fun Run · Walk

3/28/2026 · Winslow, IL

Listed Sep 27, 2019

Register
Run Vibes summarySummarization pending

AI summarization pending

We haven’t generated Run Vibes’ quick-read summary for this race yet—it’s in the queue and will show here when ready.

Full listing on the race page · official details from the source

Footsteps for Families: 5k, Walk & Kids Run

5K · Walk · 1 mi · Fun Run

3/28/2026 · Machesney Park, IL

Listed Oct 31, 2024

Register
Run Vibes summarySummarization pending

AI summarization pending

We haven’t generated Run Vibes’ quick-read summary for this race yet—it’s in the queue and will show here when ready.

Full listing on the race page · official details from the source

Foundation 5K Walk and Run

5K · Walk

3/28/2026 · Bloomington, IL

Listed Sep 25, 2024

Register
Run Vibes summarySummarization pending

AI summarization pending

We haven’t generated Run Vibes’ quick-read summary for this race yet—it’s in the queue and will show here when ready.

Full listing on the race page · official details from the source

IlliniThon 5K Run/Walk

Walk · 5K

3/28/2026 · Urbana, IL

Listed Jan 29, 2026

Register
Run Vibes summarySummarization pending

AI summarization pending

We haven’t generated Run Vibes’ quick-read summary for this race yet—it’s in the queue and will show here when ready.

Full listing on the race page · official details from the source

The Muddy Waters 5k: A Spirits Run at Fat Tommy’s

5K

3/28/2026 · Midlothian, IL

Listed Jan 20, 2026

Register
Run Vibes summarySummarization pending

AI summarization pending

We haven’t generated Run Vibes’ quick-read summary for this race yet—it’s in the queue and will show here when ready.

Full listing on the race page · official details from the source

Conejito 5K (Easter Run)

5K · Walk

3/28/2026 · Chicago, IL

Listed Feb 3, 2026

Register
Run Vibes summarySummarization pending

AI summarization pending

We haven’t generated Run Vibes’ quick-read summary for this race yet—it’s in the queue and will show here when ready.

Full listing on the race page · official details from the source