Twas the Night Before 5k Tuesday, December 5, 2023 6:00 pm
A festive 5k through the Joy of Christmas light show in historic Harvey S. Firestone Park. Pavilion #1 is the staging area pre-race with the race starting promptly at 6:00 pm. Restroom facilities are located within this pavilion. Cookies and water will also be located in the pavilion for after the race. The awards ceremony will take place after the last runner crosses the finish line within the pavilion approximately 7pm. Awards presented to top three overall male and female winners as well as 10 year age groups 1st-3rd place. The first 600 registered runners will receive a finishers medal. This year we are giving out the sixth in a series... TBA.
The course inside the park is closed to the public during the race, vehicles will not be permitted to enter the park during the race (we suggest you arrive early enough to find parking before the park roads are closed) and the light show is not open for anyone other than those racing!!! Parking is free and there are several lots within the park. There will not be parking next to Pavilion #1 but you may drop off runners before driving to another open lot. After the race runners are permitted to drive through the light show for free when they present their bib at the ticket booth. Lights will be on until 8:00pm.
There are over 65 light displays and Joy of Christmas claims over one million lights! With Mrs. Claus or Santa hosting our crowds each year the event is sure to delight! Runners receive a bowl of hot soup, cookies, and hot beverages after they run/walk. Soup and coffee will be located at the after party taking place immediately after the race at Birdfish through 10pm. You can also watch the retired one mile course video filmed by local runner Doug Votaw in 2017.
Raffle baskets are available during early packet pick-up for viewing and ticket purchase. The after party at Birdfish will be where the raffle baskets are raffled off the night of the race. Tickets are $10 for a sheet of 26 tickets. Winner need not be present-but must be available to pick up the basket at a TBD future location. Baskets not claimed within a week after the race will be donated to an in need family within the area.
Early packet pick-up dates and time TBA.
Race day entry to park... Use the main entrance to the park only! This is the "pool hill" on East Park Avenue. Traffic is one way during the evening so please follow the race course route to get to Pavilion #1. Route is marked with arrows and luminaries. If you follow the light show route you can find the pavilion. Watch for the parking crew helping with parking, they will direct you to the best spaces currently open! Parking lots will not be open to leave until 7pm so if you must leave the park before that time you need to park outside the park itself.
Registration Information Registration is $30 per person and includes a long sleeve shirt and a finishers medal until items are sold out. We recommend registering early. Entry Form or Online Entry available. Online will be open soon.