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.
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
49°
Typical Low
26°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Pfafftown, 9 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Clemmons, NC
Population
21,574
as of 2023
Elevation
823 ft
Nearest Airport
GSO
Piedmont Triad International Airport · 26 mi
Time Zone
Eastern 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 Running of the Lights, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Clemmons, NC
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9 miles away
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5K
5 miles away
Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Winston-Salem, NC (24)
Half Marathon · 10K · 5K
9 miles away
Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Winston-Salem, NC (25)
Half Marathon · 10K · 5K
9 miles away
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 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)
- What is the Running of the Lights?
- Running of the Lights is a running race held in Clemmons, North Carolina on January 1, 2027. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Running of the Lights?
- Friday, January 1, 2027 in Clemmons, North Carolina at Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Running of the Lights?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Running of the Lights
Jan 1, 2027