Friday Night Lights: Run Through the Winter West Magic Step out of the ordinary and into a dazzling holiday wonderland! PLUS - an all-new route with even MORE lights! Prepare to illuminate your holiday season as SoleRoots Running partners with the University of West Georgia, inviting you to experience the inaugural Friday Night Lights 5K | Fun Run. This event is honored to continue the holiday spirit started by the annual Jingle Bell Jog for the past 15 years. This isn't just a race; it's a breathtaking, glittering path woven directly into the spectacular Winter West programing, transforming the UWG campus into a runner's paradise of festive light. On Friday, December 4, 2026, the air will be crisp and the spirit bright. Join us as the sun sets and thousands of twinkling lights rise to guide your way. Whether you're chasing a personal record in the challenging 5K or enjoying a shorter, family-friendly Fun Run—our sparkling Festive Fun Run—every stride will be set to the backdrop of radiant holiday magic. Lace up your shoes, feel the energy of the night, and run into a brand-new holiday tradition under the Friday Night Lights! Schedule: Friday, December 4 Winter West on University of West Georgia campus in Love Valley begins at 4 pm Learn more about Winter West HERE Parking is available at UWG Campus Center or Bookstore lots on West Georgia Drive, Carrollton. Race check-in opens from 4:45 to 6 pm in the Campus Center lower level room 121. Festive Fun Run around Love Valley starts at 6 pm (meet at the Campus Center Patio) Best outfit awards announced at 6:15 pm with prizes Friday Night Lights 5K starts at 6:17 pm (start line noted on map) Awards following 5K with pick-up at awards table, no ceremony Pizza dinner provided after each race in UWG Campus Center Lower Level Room 121 Dress warm and turn on your all-new, festive, LED light up beanie while exploring the lights on course. Then finish with friends and family. Registered participants will get pizza for dinner with options of cheese, pepperoni, or veggie and water. Awards will go to: Best Holiday Outfit Adult Best Holiday Outfit Youth (17 and under) Best Light up Outfit Adult Best Light up Outfit Youth (17 and under) 5k Awards: Top 3 overall male and female finishers Top 5 male and female finishers in 14 and under Top 5 male and female finishers in 15 to 39 Top 5 male and female finishers in 40 and up
Course & Travel Notes
The Friday Night Lights 5K & Festive Fun Run takes place on December 4, 2026, in Carrollton, Georgia, with the race starting at 6:00 PM at an elevation of 1,047 feet. The nearest airport is Fulton County Airport Brown Field (FTY), located 36.1 miles from the venue. Plan for typical December weather in the area, with highs around 56°F and lows near 34°F, and expect that about 37% of days see measurable rain during this time of year.
⛰️ 1,047 ft elevation☀️ Typically 56°F / 34°F · 37% chance of rain✈️ Fulton County Airport Brown Field (FTY) — 36.1 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Friday Night Lights 5K & Festive Fun Run 2026 — Carrollton, GA
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 4.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Carrollton, GA.
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 Friday Night Lights 5K & Festive Fun Run 2026 — Carrollton, GA?
Friday Night Lights 5K & Festive Fun Run 2026 — Carrollton, GA takes place on December 4, 2026. The race is held in Carrollton, Georgia.
Where is Friday Night Lights 5K & Festive Fun Run 2026 — Carrollton, GA held?
Friday Night Lights 5K & Festive Fun Run 2026 — Carrollton, GA is held at 302 West Georgia Dr in Carrollton, Georgia.
Where can I find hotels near Friday Night Lights 5K & Festive Fun Run 2026 — Carrollton, GA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Carrollton. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
