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 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.
Course & Travel Notes
Expect typical early December weather in Evansville with highs around 47°F and lows near 33°F, so bring layers and a light jacket, and be prepared for a chance of rain as measurable precipitation occurs on about 28% of days this time of year. The Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk takes place at 384 feet elevation, a modest altitude that requires no special acclimatization. Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) is conveniently located just 3.4 miles from the venue, making it easy to arrange ground transportation.
⛰️ 384 ft elevation☀️ Typically 47°F / 33°F · 28% chance of rain✈️ Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) — 3.4 mi
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.
