Registration for the Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk costs between $5 and $30. The event takes place on December 2, 2026, in Evansville, Indiana, at 23 Don Mattingly Way, with a typical start time of 5:45 PM. The race offers running and walking options across a 2.88-mile distance. This evening event provides an accessible option for endurance athletes of all levels looking to compete locally without a significant financial commitment.
From the Race Organizer
Join us for Bright Lights 5K & 1-Mile Walk for Easterseals! This is the only night when Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights will be closed to vehicle and carriage traffic and open only for runners, walkers, and people using mobility equipment! There will be no carriage rides on this night. NO dogs are allowed at the event (except for service dogs). If you participate in the 5K, you can enjoy the 1-Mile walk at no additional cost! Parking Please park in the lot next to Bosse Field or the overflow area across the street on Heidelbach Ave. No parking is allowed inside Garvin Park. Course The 5K (2.88 miles) consists of three loops around Garvin Park. Start: Just off Morgan Ave inside Garvin Park, run/walk at the corner of Main Street and Morgan Avenue, go toward the 7 lighted trees, turn right, and follow the light show route. The course loops around the back of the park, passing all lighted attractions. A water stop is located near the end of loop one. Continue past the fountain area to begin lap two and repeat until you have passed the fountain three times. Finish: After the third lap, take a sharp right at the 7 lighted trees and head back to the Main Street and Morgan Avenue starting point. Medals will be given to the first 400 finishers. Walkers participating in the 5K: Please keep a pace to complete the race within an hour. Please allow runners to pass you. Awards Overall Male and Female winners will be awarded. Awards will also be given to the top two males and females 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 on December 2nd To reduce traffic on race night, please pick up your bib and shirt at Ultimate Fit (1412 S. Green River Road, Evansville) on Tuesday, December 2, from 3:30-6:30 PM. You may pick up packets for others as well. If you cannot make it to Ultimate Fit, pickup will be available at Garvin Park on event night, Wednesday, December 3, from 3:30-5:30 PM at the Run/Walk tent near the starting line. NEW for 2025! FINISHER MEDALS FOR THE FIRST 400 to cross the finish line! We know everyone wants one and we want you to have one too! Please come back for MORE exciting updates to be posted for our 10th year! We are still working on the best year yet!
Hotels Near This Race
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Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk 2026 — Evansville, IN
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 2.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Evansville, IN.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk 2026 — Evansville, IN?
Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk 2026 — Evansville, IN takes place on December 2, 2026. The race is held in Evansville, Indiana.
Where is Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk 2026 — Evansville, IN held?
Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk 2026 — Evansville, IN is held at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Indiana.
Where can I find hotels near Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk 2026 — Evansville, IN?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Evansville. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
