The Night Glow 5K starts at 9:00 PM, so plan your travel day accordingly and arrive with enough time to pick up your bib and warm up before an evening race. Held at Jackson Memorial Middle School in Massillon, Ohio, this event offers both a 5K and a 5-mile running option, plus a wheelchair division, giving you choices depending on your fitness level and goals. Entry fees range from free to $40, making it accessible across different budgets. Running or racing at night requires adjusting your typical training schedule and fueling routine, so consider how an evening start affects your pre-race nutrition and sleep patterns. This is a straightforward community event—confirm parking and course logistics with organizers ahead of time to ensure a smooth race day experience.
From the Race Organizer
Night Glow traces its roots back to the Jackson Township 5K transitioning into the Jackson Night Glow in 1999 as part of the Jackson Star Spangled Celebration. From its humble beginnings, the race quickly grew into the beloved evening tradition it is today, continuing to foster a strong sense of community within Jackson Township and beyond. The Jackson Night Glow is an all-inclusive 5k evening event designed for individuals of all ages. Participants will experience a vibrant night race illuminated by a captivating array of glowing elements. The event features a Kids ½ Mile Fun Run designed for younger participants before the main festivities. It is not just a 5k race, it is an experience: What makes the Jackson Night Glow 5k so unique - it could the 1,500 luminaries that light the course, the booming fireworks to start the race, the the 300 foot arch way of lights, the rowdy spectators in the neighborhood streets cheering you on, the amazing race shirts, the glow necklaces etc. Following the race, all runners and supporters are encouraged to connect with one another while enjoying a selection of snacks and beverages. This event is organized and hosted by the Jackson High School Cross Country team and their supporters. Donation: Donations support the various nonprofit organizations that participate in the event including; The Little Pink Ribbon Girl Organization, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC), 33JordanStrong Organization, Ainsley's Angels, Jackson Cross Country Parents and more. Garments: Night Glow shirt shirt/sizes will only be guaranteed for those who pre register by midnight of June 11. *After the deadline shirts will still be available while supplies last! 5K Run/Walk - Unisex Sizes - X-Small to 3X-Large Kids Fun Run - Youth Sizes - Small to Large *Both events have a No Shirt Option for $5 off registration. Packet Pickup Parking/Schedule: Thursday, June 25: Fulton Road will be closed! You will need to navigate to the back of school (West Parking Lot) and Enter Door 16W. Front doors will be locked! Option 1: Enter by the YMCA from Wales Road Option 2: Enter off of Fulton coming from the West, you will need to turn into South Park to access the school (turn before the road construction starts) 5:00-8:00pm - Packet Pickup - Commons Area in Jackson High School (7600 Fulton Drive N.W. Massillon, OH 44646) *If you are arriving from out of the area we can make special arrangements for you so you do not miss out on the event (you will pick up your packet right at the starting line from 8:00pm-9:00pm). Event Day Parking/Schedule: : Friday, June 26: No Event Day Registration! Parking is at the Jackson Memorial Middle School (7355 Mudbrook St NW, Massillon, OH 44646). This located right near the start and finish line. ***Please pay attention to the parking map as Mudbrook will be closing by way of Wales Road at 8:30 PM for race set up. If you arrive after 8:30 PM you will need to access Mudbrook by way of Arlington road and head east turning into Sauder Elementary which links to the Middle School. At 8:45 PM all of Mudbrook will be closed! Parking will be available at the Jackson Community Festival. 8:30 PM - Mudbrook St closed by way of Wales Rd, only accessible by Arlington Rd!: 9:00 PM - Half Mile Fun Run - Start/Finish at Jackson Township Hall at the 5k finish line. *Located very close to the start line so nobody will miss running the 5k. 9:30 PM - 5K Run & Fun Walk/Competive Walk - Start on Mudbrook Road in front of Jackson Memorial Middle School Restrooms/Emergency Shelter (Race Night): Restrooms will be available inside Jackson Memorial Middle School on race night between 7:00-9:30 PM. This is in addition to all of the restrooms available as part of the Jackson Festival. Should we need to use emergency shelter we will use the same entrance to the Middle School. Please be aware that the middle school will be locked once the race begins make sure to grab all of your belongings prior to the start of the run Awards: 5K Run & Fun Walk: -Top 5 overall male and female -Top 4 male and female in the following age categories 12-Under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, & 80-Over. 5K Competitive Walk: -Top 5 overall male and female -Top 4 male and female in the following age categories 19-Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, & 70-Over. Awards will be given out at the conclusion of the event - the awards tent will be near the finish line just stop by and we will hand you your award if you placed in your age group. Live results will be available via the RacePenguin App for you to check to see if you in fact an age group winner.
