By City of Kentwood
Ready, set, glow! Area runners and walkers are invited to come together and “illuminate the night with glow wear and lights” during the City of Kentwood’s first-ever Glow in the Park 5K on Saturday, Oct. 12.
The lighthearted run will begin just before dusk with check-in, on-site registration and packet pick-up slated to take place between 6 and 7 p.m. at Pinewood Park, located at 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE.
Participants and supporters are encouraged to wear brightly colored and glow-in-the dark clothes and accessories for the race, which runs through Pinewood Park trails and nearby neighborhood roads.
Volunteers in glow wear will help light the way, while neighborhoods along the route are welcomed to decorate their homes with colorful splashes of light for the occasion.
“We’d love to see area neighbors get involved in our first Glow in the Park 5K, which is our only organized after-dark running event to date,” said Spencer McKellar, race organizer. “Whether you’re an avid runner, casual jogger or walker, this 5K is intended to be a fun opportunity to dress up, get out and do something active this fall with family members, neighbors and friends.”
As the participants near the finish line, the path will be lit with glow-in-the-dark sticks and other colorful lights. An awards ceremony and party at Pinewood Park including music, games and refreshments will immediately follow the race. The route is fully paved and accessible.
Individuals interested in racing can register online. Those who register by Oct. 1 will receive a t-shirt and race pack with glow supplies.
Registration costs $30 until Sept. 30, after which the price will increase by $5 increments leading up to $40 for race-day sign-ups. Proceeds will go to support the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Scholarship Fund, which allows recipients to receive up to 50 percent off of one program per season.
The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking volunteers for the Glow in the Park 5K. Those who are interested may sign up online.
