Glow in the Garden 5k

✨ Welcome to the Glow in the Garden 5k

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.

👕 Registration Details

5k registration includes T-shirt, beverage ticket, and admission ticket to Nicholas Conservatory.

• Early Bird: $30 until August 17
• Regular Rate, online: $35 from August 18 to September 18 (10 am)
• Regular Rate, in-person: $35 on September 18 (11:30 am - 5:30 pm at Nicholas Conservatory)
• Day-of Registration: $40, September 19 (6-7 pm at 5k start time)

📦 Packet Pick-Up

Packet pick-up will take place on Thursday, September 18 from 11:30 am - 5:30 pm at Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL. Pick-up will also be available Friday from 6-7:15 pm at the race start.

📍 Location & Parking

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL.

• Parking: Available in both Nicholas Conservatory lots and overflow at the YMCA to the south.
• Additional Parking: Symbol parking lot north of the Conservatory.
• Arrival: Allow ample time for parking.

🏃‍♂️ Race 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.)

⏰ Race Time

5k starts at 7:30 pm just south of Nicholas Conservatory - Look for the glowing arch! The race is chip-timed.

👶 FREE Kids 100 Meter Fun Run

Starts at 7 pm at the glowing pillars just outside of Nicholas Conservatory and runs south on the path to the glowing arch. Stop by the packet pick-up table for a free glow bracelet! (No need to register or check-in, kids can simply show up at the start and run... for fun!)

🚌 Trolley Shuttle

Trolley Car 36 will be shuttling guests along the Riverfront from YMCA to Symbol - it is FREE but donations are appreciated!

🏆 Awards

Awards ceremony begins at 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 19 to check out this summer and fall's exhibit, Dinosaurs of the Forgotten Forest (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.

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!

🔗 Race Information

For more details and to register, visit Glow in the Garden 5k.