BRIGHT NIGHTS 5K ROAD RACE REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 18, 2023
Springfield, Massachusetts—The Bright Nights 5k Road Race, a jolly jaunt through more than 700,000 lights, has earned the reputation of being Springfield’s favorite race. On Monday, September 18, 2023, at the stroke of midnight, registration will open for the 500 coveted spots. Some people will stay up late. Some will set their alarms, while others will hope for the best when they wake for their morning jog.
The 18th annual Bright Nights 5K Road Race is going to held on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 6:30pm. The rain date is Tuesday, November 28th. The fee to participate is $70. This includes participation in the one-of-a-kind event that takes runners by and through Bright Nights at Forest Park’s magnificent displays, from the Seuss Land Arch to the Giant Poinsettia Candles, and back. They are going to also receive a souvenir long-sleeved hooded athletic shirt, a ticket to enjoy Bright Nights at Forest Park in the comfort of their car, and a post-race soup supper.
“We tell runners to prepare for a hilly course,” said Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt. “They will, however, be distracted and delighted by being immersed in the lights as they run past the dinosaur display, by the Barney Mansion, through the Blizzard Tunnel to name just a few of the displays.”
In 2022, the Bright Nights 5K Road Race was enjoyed by many beyond Greater Springfield. These included runners from Sturbridge, Sutton, Chelmsford, and Boston, Massachusetts, as well as Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and even one from Arizona.
The Spirit of Springfield, which organizes the event, recommends runners be available for both dates, November 27th and 28th. Refunds and substitutions will not be offered. For safety reasons, runners must be at least 14 years old on race day. Headphones, baby strollers, pets, and bandit runners will not be allowed on the route.
The Bright Nights 5k Road Race is sponsored by Covestro, Health New England, Siemens, and Freedom Credit Union
For more information about the Bright Night 5K Road Race and registration, visit brightnights.org or contact the Spirit of Springfield at 413-733-3800.