Glow in the Garden 5k

Event Overview

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. (UPDATE: We have run out of some shirt sizes. Some "vintage" Ts from previous years will be available while supplies last!)
• Registration Periods:
  • Early Bird ($30): Now through August 17
  • Regular Rate, online ($35): August 18 through September 18 (10 am)
  • Regular Rate, in-person registration-only ($35): September 18, 11:30 am - 5:30 pm (at Nicholas Conservatory)
  • Day-of Registration: September 19, 6-7 pm (at 5k start time)

Packet Pick-Up

THURSDAY, September 18
11:30am - 5:30pm
Nicholas Conservatory
1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL
(pick-up will also be available Friday 6-7:15 pm at the race start)

Day-Of Registration

Friday, September 19
(Friday) is at the glowing arch/start line (on the rec path, just south of the Nicholas Conservatory) starting at 6pm. Day-of registration is $40. (Cash or card)

Location & Parking

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

• Parking: Allow ample time for parking! Parking is available in both Nicholas Conservatory lots.
• Overflow Parking: Available at the YMCA to the south and at the Symbol parking lot north of the Conservatory.
• Access: Accessible through the Southbound lane of North 2nd Street.

Course Information

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 Timing

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

Kids Fun Run

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 Ceremony

Awards will be held at 8:30 pm at the glowing arch start/finish.

Food Options

Stay tuned for which food trucks will be available.

Glow Activities

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.

Participation Policy

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!

More Information

For more details and to register, visit the official race page: Glow in the Garden 5k.