Bright Lights 5K/Walk
Bright Lights for Easterseals 5K / 1 Mile Walk Wednesday, December 3, 2025
For one night only, the park is ONLY open to runners, walkers and person using wheelchairs or other mobility equipment. NO vehicles or carriages are allowed on the streets within Garvin Park. NO dogs are allowed at the event (except for service dogs).
5:45 p.m. CDT | $25 ($30 after Nov. 1): 5K Run
6:30 p.m. CDT | $5 (ages 2 and under free): 1-mile walk
Shirts are included in the 5K if you sign up by Nov. 1. Information below details more on the 5K and the 1 mile walk. Proceeds from Bright Lights for Easterseals help fund inclusive early education and therapy for local children and adults with disabilities.
For questions or to volunteer, contact Bright Lights Volunteer Coordinator Rhonda Trail, 812-430-3833 or rhonda_trail@yahoo.com
Sponsored By
Costume Contest Sponsor
Frequently Asked Questions
- Please park in the lot next to Bosse Field or the overflow area across the street on Heidelbach Ave.
- No parking is allowed inside Garvin Park.
- The 5K (2.88 miles) consists of three loops around Garvin Park.
- Start: Just off Morgan Ave inside Garvin Park, run/walk at the corner of Main Street and Morgan Avenue, go toward 7 lighted trees, turn right, and follow the light show route.
- The course loops around the back of the park, passing all lighted attractions.
- A water stop is located near the end of loop one.
- Continue past the fountain area to begin lap two and repeat until you have passed the fountain three times.
- Finish: After the third lap, take a sharp right at the 7 lighted trees and head back to the Main Street and Morgan Avenue starting point. Medals will be given to the first 150 finishers.
Walkers participating in the 5K: Please keep a pace to complete the race within an hour. Please allow runners to pass you.
- Overall Male and Female winners will be awarded.
Awards will also be given to the top two males and females 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+
- To reduce traffic on race night, please pick up your bib and shirt at Ultimate Fit (1412 S. Green River Road, Evansville) on Tuesday, December 2, from 3:30-6:30 PM.
- You may pick up packets for others as well.
- If you cannot make it to Ultimate Fit, pickup will be available at Garvin Park on Wednesday, December 3, from 3:30-5:30 PM at the Run/Walk tent near the starting line.
Bright Lights Costume Contest
Sponsored by Greer’s Flooring
(This is totally optional, but who doesn’t like Rudolph and his red nose, Santa Claus, the Grinch and of course an Elf in tights!)
Come dressed in your best holiday creations as a runner or walker at Bright Lights 5K/1 mile walk and you’ll be entered into the contest! Our secret Bright Light judges will be scouring all runners and walkers and looking for the best of the best in holiday attire. Costumed participants will walk the red carpet courtesy of Greer’s Flooring, get their photo taken, and receive a holiday ornament at the event. We’ll post photos of the best costumes on the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center facebook page the next day and award top prizes to the best 3 costumes with each receiving a $25 VISA Gift Card and Carriage Gift Certificate to Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights! Don’t be shy… show us your Bright Lights Costumes and Holiday Flair!
1 Mile Community Walk Information
6:30 pm CDT
The community walk is not a timed event and will begin at 6:30 pm CDT. We ask that no one begin the walk until this time in order to keep the 5K racers safe. You may begin your walk at any time from 6:30 pm until 8:30pm but please note the lights in Garvin Park will go dark at 9pm.
No one will be allowed to begin a walk after 8:30pm.
Admission is $5 per person with proceeds benefitting the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center.
Please pay at the Walker Tent located along Main Street by the large trailer before you begin your walk. You will receive a glow in the dark bracelet once paid. If you have already registered for the walk online, please pick up your bracelet at the Walker Tent.
T-shirts are NOT included with the $5 Walk, however shirts are available to purchase in advance on the runsignup.com page under STORE. The last date to purchase shirts is November 1.
Walkers will start at the Walker Tent located along Main Street by the large trailer. PLEASE stay in the parking lot and not on the race route to allow racers who are running for time to complete their run.
In case of inclement weather, the decision to have the race or not will be determined upon event day. There will be no refunds but the race/purchased shirts will be available for pickup. Further information will be provided at that time.
FOR LARGE GROUPS wanting to participate as teams, please contact Carolyn Franklin at cfranklin@evansvillerehab.com.
Sponsors
