
From the Organizer
This night-time race will be entirely lit with the famous Natchitoches Christmas lights! Route starts in front of the riverbank stage, runs south past Santa Clause Lane, turns west on Amulet, north on 2nd Street, and east on Lafayette which will run back down to the riverbank. 1 of these laps will be the Fun Run. 3 laps will complete the 5k.
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Race Day Schedule
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Registration & Packet Pick Up
5:30 PM Warm Up and Welcome
5:45 PM Fun Run Begins
6:00 PM 5k Begins
6:30 PM Cool Down
6:45 PM Awards Ceremony
Events
Weather
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
68°
Typical Low
46°
Chance of Rain
26%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Natchitoches, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
17,682
as of 2023
City Elevation
118 ft
Nearest Airport
AEX
Alexandria International Airport · 43 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
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Light the Way 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
Freedom Run 5K & Fun Run
44 miles away
The Dam Melon Run 5K
28 miles away
Rapides Junior Runners Fall Series
50 miles away
Sock Out Cancer 5K and Fun Run
55 miles away
From Endurance Grid
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Light the Way 5K
Nov 22, 2026