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.

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

Registration Periods:
Early Bird ($30): Now through August 16
Regular Rate, online ($35): August 17 through September 17 (10 am)
Regular Rate, in-person registration-only ($35): September 18, 11:30 am - 5:30 pm (at Nicholas Conservatory) 
Day-of Registration: September 18, 6-7 pm (at 5k start time)

Packet Pick-Up: 
THURSDAY, September 17
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)

Day-Of Registration:
Friday, September 18
(Friday) is at the glowing arch/start line (on the rec path, just south of the Nicholas Conservatory) starting at 6pm. Day-of registration is $40. (Cash or card)

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 100 Meter 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:
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:
The inside gardens, Nicholas Conservatory, will be closed during Glow in the Garden, but come back before October 18 to check out this summer and fall's exhibit, Botanical Curiosities: Carnivorous Plants & Other Herbaceous Oddities (www.nicholasconservatory.com).

Wishing Lanterns & Other 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 erace packet.

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!

Join fellow runners on September 18, 2026 for the Glow in the Garden 5k. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Rockford.