Glow in the Garden

Online registration has closed, but don’t worry, you can still be part of the fun! Register on-site at the start line (look for the glowing arch). Day-of registration is $40. ($15 for ages 12 and under) Allow ample time for parking!

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.

5k registration includes T-shirt, drink ticket, and admission ticket to Nicholas Conservatory.

Packet Pick-Up: 
THURSDAY, September 14
11:30am - 5:30pm

Nicholas Conservatory
1354 N 2nd Street, Rockford, IL

(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

Allow ample time for parking! Parking is available in both Nicholas Conservatory lots. Overflow parking is also available at the YMCA to the south. Additional overflow parking is available at the Symbol parking lot north of the Conservatory (accessible through the Southbound lane of North 2nd Street).

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

FREE Kids 200 Meter Fun Run:
Starts at 7 pm at the glowing arch just south of the Nicholas Conservatory. Stop by the packet pick-up tent for a glow bracelet, thanks to our Kids Fun Run sponsor Tyler's Landscaping! (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's FREE but donations are appreciated!

Awards:
8:30 pm at the glowing arch start/finish. 

 
Food Trucks:
New! More food trucks this year! Get all of your favorites from Bop Bop, Olivo Taco, La Calle, and Tropic Like It's Hot.

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 Nicholas Conservatory will be closed during Glow in the Garden this year, but come back before November 5 to check out this summer and fall's exhibit, Cultivating Culture!

Free kids fun run at 7pm!

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.

Walkers are welcome! Unfortunately due to width of the path and number of runners we cannot allow strollers or dogs.