2026 Galaxy of Lights Races

Galaxy of Lights 5k Race:

Event Notes:

Galaxy of Lights 5k Race: Monday, November 30th, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The 5k Race (3.1 miles) will be held on Monday, November 30th, with the course winding through the Galaxy of Lights trail. The majority of this path is paved, but there are occasional sections of gravel path. Start times will be staggered in two waves. Because the 5k is a timed race, you must start with your assigned wave to ensure proper timing for the awards. You can review the course at https://certifiedroadraces.com/search/ , and enter our course ID: AL25017JE.

• Wave 1 (BLUE): 6:00 p.m.
• Wave 2 (GREEN): 6:30 p.m.

Pets, strollers, headphones, and non-registered participants are not allowed on the 5K course. All registrations are final, non-transferable, and non-refundable.

Refreshments will be provided for registered participants inside the Nichols Arbor. Refreshments will be available for purchase for spectators beginning at 5:30 p.m. near the Grisham Pavilion. Bring the whole family out to enjoy the fun and cheer you on! Only registered participants will be allowed access to the Galaxy of Lights displays for the 5k Race and 3k Fun Run.

Galaxy of Lights 3k Fun Run: Tuesday, December 1st, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m.

The 3k Fun Run (1.8 miles) begins at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1st, with the course winding through the Galaxy of Lights trail. The majority of this path is paved, but there are occasional sections of gravel path.

Pets, headphones, and non-registered participants over 3 years of age are not allowed on the course, but strollers are welcome. Unregistered children under 3 years of age are welcome for the 3k Fun Run but will not receive a commemorative t-shirt. All registrations are final, non-transferable, and non-refundable.

The 3k Fun Run is not a timed race but will be full of great light displays and holiday music. Refreshments will be provided for registered participants inside the Nichols Arbor. Refreshments will be available for purchase for spectators beginning at 5:30 p.m. near the Grisham Pavilion. Bring the whole family out to enjoy the fun and cheer you on! Only registered participants will be allowed access to the Galaxy of Lights displays for the 5k Race and 3k Fun Run.

ENTRY FEES:

• 5k Race:
  • $35 per runner (Late registration of $45 beginning 11/2)
  • Ages 3 and under are not eligible to participate in the 5k Race
• 3k Fun Run:
  • Ages 11 & up: $27 per runner (Late registration of $37 beginning 11/2)
  • Ages 4 to 10: $25 per runner (Late registration of $35 beginning 11/2)
  • Ages 3 & under: Free with paid adult
• 5k Race + 3k Fun Run Combo Pack:
  • $60 per runner (Late registration of $70 beginning 11/2)

All registrants receive a commemorative long-sleeved tech t-shirt. (Ages 0-3 will not receive a shirt for the 3k Fun Run.) Both events have limited entries, so please register early! Late Registration fees start Nov. 2nd at 5:00pm.

Please Note: All registrations are final, non-transferable, and non-refundable.

PACKET PICK-UP:

Fleet Feet Sports - Huntsville (2722 Carl T. Jones Drive)

• Nov. 27, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Huntsville Botanical Garden (4747 Bob Wallace Avenue inside the Nichols Arbor) Please park in the Dogwood Parking Lot to the west of the Eloise McDonald Propst Guest Center. Parking assistance will be available closer to 5:00pm.

• Monday, November 30th, from Noon to 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 1st, from Noon to 6:00 p.m.

RACE DAY DETAILS

• Location: 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
• PARKING: Please enter through the main Garden entrance with the large columns. You may also park at Morris School, located just to the west of the main Garden entrance. Once in either lot, you will be directed where to park.
• 5k Race Details:
  • Schedule of Events:
    • Monday, November 30, 2026
    • 5:30 p.m. - Packet pick-up closes
    • 5:45 p.m. - Begin lining up and pre-race announcements
    • 6:00 p.m. - Wave 1 race start (Blue light)
    • 6:30 p.m. - Wave 2 race start (Green light)
    • 7:30 p.m. - Awards presentation
• 3k Fun Run Details:
  • Schedule of Events:
    • Tuesday, December 1, 2026
    • 6:00 p.m. - Packet pick-up closes
    • 6:15 p.m. - Begin lining up and pre-run announcements
    • 6:30 p.m. - Run start
    • 7:15 p.m. - Prize drawings begin (if available)
• 5k Award Categories:
  • Top Male and Female Finisher
  • Top Male and Female Master Finisher (Ages 40+)
  • Top Three Male and Female Finishers in the following age groups:
    • 9 & under
    • 10-14
    • 15-19
    • 20-24
    • 25-29
    • 30-34
    • 35-39
    • 40-44
    • 45-49
    • 50-54
    • 55-59
    • 60-64
    • 65 & over

WEATHER POLICY: The run will take place in the rain or shine. In the event that there is lightning in the area, races will be delayed for 30 minutes. If there is still lightning in the area after 30 minutes, the run will be canceled. The Huntsville Botanical Garden reserves the right to cancel in extreme conditions. In the event of cancellation, there will be no refunds, and your entry fee will be donated to the Huntsville Botanical Garden. In the event of cancellation, packets will be available at the Garden.

RACE RESULTS: Race results will be posted as soon as possible at www.huntsvilletrackclub.org. If you win an award and are unable to stay to receive it, you may pick it up at the Huntsville Botanical Garden front desk until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 5th.

Questions: Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.