Bright Lights 5K & 1 Mile Walk

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.