Running of the Lights
- Date
- January 1, 2027
- Location
- Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC
- Distance
- 5K Run/Walk · Economy 5K Run/Walk · 1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk & more
From the Organizer
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 Year’s 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(ish) Run/Walk or the 1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk and experience a one-of-a-kind course that transforms the park’s Christmas wonderland into your personal race route.
Before the race, you’ll 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 cheer—a 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
- Receive a high-quality long-sleeve race shirt
- Enjoy a festive New Year’s 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, 2027 (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 you’re 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 you’re chasing a PR or enjoying a casual stroll, this event is the perfect way to say goodbye to 2026 and hello to 2027.
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in NC
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Tour de Blueberry
Rotary Club of Kernersville 4th of July 5K Run
5K
Triple Nickle Remembrance Run
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Running of the Lights?
- Running of the Lights is a running event held in Clemmons, NC. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the Running of the Lights?
- Friday, January 1, 2027 in Clemmons, NC at Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Running of the Lights?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
Running of the Lights
Jan 1, 2027