Glow in the Garden 5k

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1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford IL

Friday, September 19th, 2025

✨ 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, Now through August 17
Regular Rate (online): $35, August 18 through September 18 (10 am)
Day-of Registration: September 19, 6-7 pm (at 5k start time), $40 (Cash or card)

📦 Packet Pick-Up

THURSDAY, September 18 from 11:30 am - 5:30 pm at:

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

(Packet pick-up will also be available Friday 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. Overflow parking is available at the YMCA to the south.
Additional parking: Symbol parking lot north of the Conservatory (accessible through the Southbound lane of North 2nd Street).

Time: Allow ample time for parking!

🏃‍♀️ 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.)

⏰ Race Day Information

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

👶 FREE Kids 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

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 Information

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 & 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.

👟 Accessibility

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!

🌐 Event URL

For more information, visit the Glow in the Garden 5k official site.