Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk
Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk is a running race on December 2, 2026 in Evansville, IN, with entry fees from $5 to $25.
- Date
- December 2, 2026 (87 days to go)
- Price
- $5–$25
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
Join us for the Bright Lights 5K & 1-Mile Walk benefiting Easterseals!
This is the ONLY night when Ritzy’s 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? You’re 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. We’d love to have you experience the magic of Ritzy’s 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 Ritzy’s 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:
- 1–9
- 10–14
- 15–19
- 20–29
- 30–39
- 40–49
- 50–59
- 60–69
- 70–79
- 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
⏰ 3:30–6:30 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 3:30–5:30 p.m. at the Run/Walk tent near the starting line.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
51°
Typical Low
36°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Evansville Museum, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Evansville, IN
Population
116,441
as of 2023
City Elevation
386 ft
Nearest Airport
EVV
Evansville Regional Airport · 3 mi
Major Hub
SDF
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport · 100 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
87
Days to train
- Race
- Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk
- Date
- December 2, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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 an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk
Dec 2, 2026