Glow in the Garden 5k 2026 — Rockford, IL

Come glow with us! Flat and scenic course along the Rock River Recreation Path and Nicholas Conservatory/Sinnissippi Gardens. Wear anything that glows! Black lights and other fun glow surprises throughout the course. 5k Registration Includes: T-shirt, admission ticket to Nicholas Conservatory, and finisher medal. Registration Periods: Now through 8/16: $35, online 8/17 through 9/17, 10 am: $45, online 9/17, 11:30 am - 5:30 pm: $45, in-person registration only, at Nicholas Conservatory (cash and card accepted) 9/18, 6-7 pm: $45, in-person registration only, at 5k start line (cash and card accepted) (Ages 12 & Under: $25) Packet Pick-Up: THURSDAY, September 17 11:30am - 5:30pm Nicholas Conservatory 1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL (pick-up will also be available Friday 6-7 pm at the race start) Location & Parking: Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens 1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL Allow ample time for parking! Parking is available in both Nicholas Conservatory lots. Overflow parking is also available at the YMCA to the south. Additional overflow parking is available at the Symbol parking lot north of the Conservatory (accessible through the Southbound lane of North 2nd Street). Course: Starting just south of Nicholas Conservatory, the course runs north along the Rock River Recreation Path, into Loves Park (up Illinois St., left on Snow Ave., left on Arlington, left on Ransom), then right turn back south to the Nicholas Conservatory. Lots of glowing fun along the way! (Most areas will be light enough to see, but if you feel uncertain, bring a flashlight or headlamp.) Walkers and runners of all abilities are welcome! Unfortunately, due to the width of the path and number of people on the path, we cannot allow strollers or dogs. Thank you for your understanding! Time & Start: 5k starts at 7:30 pm just south of Nicholas Conservatory - Look for the glowing arch! The race is chip-timed. Trolley Shuttle: Trolley Car 36 will be shuttling guests along the Riverfront from YMCA to Symbol - it is FREE but donations are appreciated! Awards: 8:30 pm at the glowing arch start/finish. Food Trucks: Stay tuned for which food trucks will be available. Show Us Your Glow! Paint your face, glam your shirts, and GLOW have fun! Most of the course is decked out with laser lights, black lights, uplights, and more. Nicholas Conservatory: The inside gardens, Nicholas Conservatory, will be closed during Glow in the Garden, but come back before October 18 to check out this summer and fall's exhibit, Botanical Curiosities: Carnivorous Plants & Other Herbaceous Oddities ( www.nicholasconservatory.com ). Wishing Lanterns & Other Activities: Stick around after the race for Glow in the Garden Wishing Lanterns on the Eclipse Lagoon ($5 per lantern) and family games and activities in the outdoor gardens. If you purchase a wishing lantern with your race registration, your wishing lantern will be in your race packet.