Glow in the Garden 5k
Come glow with us! This flat and scenic 5k course runs along the Rock River Recreation Path and through the beautiful Nicholas Conservatory/Sinnissippi Gardens. To add to the fun, wear anything that glows! Expect black lights and other exciting glow surprises throughout the course.
Registration & Pricing:
- Early Bird: $35 (Now through August 16)
- Regular Rate (Online): $40 (August 17 through September 17, 10 am)
- Regular Rate (In-person): $45 (September 18, 11:30 am - 5:30 pm at Nicholas Conservatory)
- Day-of Registration: September 18, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the start line. Price is $40 (Cash or card).
- Ages 12 & Under: $25
5k registration includes a T-shirt, an admission ticket to Nicholas Conservatory, and a finisher medal.
Packet Pick-Up:
- Thursday, September 17: 11:30 am - 5:30 pm at Nicholas Conservatory (1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL)
- Friday, September 18: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the race start (near the glowing arch)
Event Schedule:
- Kids 100 Meter Fun Run: 7:00 pm (Free, no registration required)
- 5k Start Time: 7:30 pm (Chip-timed)
- Awards: 8:30 pm
Location & Parking:
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL 61107
Ample parking is available in the Nicholas Conservatory lots. Overflow parking is available at the YMCA and the Symbol parking lot north of the Conservatory.
Course Details:
The course starts just south of Nicholas Conservatory, heads north along the Rock River Recreation Path, and includes a loop through Loves Park (Illinois St., Snow Ave., Arlington, Ransom) before returning south to the finish line at the Conservatory. The path will be lit with various glow elements.
Additional Activities:
- Wishing Lanterns: $5 per lantern, available after the race on the Eclipse Lagoon.
- Family games and activities in the outdoor gardens.
Walkers and runners of all abilities are welcome. Strollers and dogs are not permitted due to path width and expected crowd size.