Glow in the Garden 5k

🎉 Welcome to 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 Information

• 5k Registration Includes: T-shirt and admission ticket to Nicholas Conservatory.
• Early Bird: $30 until August 16.
• Regular Rate Online: $35 from August 17 to September 17 (10 am).
• Day-of Registration: $40, available starting September 18, 6-7 pm at race start.

📦 Packet Pick-Up

• Date: Thursday, September 17, 11:30 am - 5:30 pm.
• Location: Nicholas Conservatory, 1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL.
• Additional Pick-Up: Friday, 6-7:15 pm at race start.

🚦 Course Details

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.)

⏰ Time & Start

The 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 will be presented 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 18 to check out this summer and fall's exhibit, Botanical Curiosities: Carnivorous Plants & Other Herbaceous Oddities (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!

For more information, visit the race page: Glow in the Garden 5k.