Bright Lights 5K and 1 mile Fun Run
Belmont, NC
- 5K, 1 Miler
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
Ditch your normal turkey trot and start a new family tradition this year! Come join the Bright Lights 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run – a race through the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s Holiday at the Garden lights display. This is a multi-surface race and will take place on paved … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Nov 22):
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
| H (°F) | 62 | 59 | 60 | 67 | 65 |
| L (°F) | 42 | 31 | 44 | 44 | 47 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
New multi terrain course
This was the inaugural race for Daniel Stowe for its run through the gardens. Being a night race that covered multiple terrains you absolutely need night light gear. The pre … MORE
This was the inaugural race for Daniel Stowe for its run through the gardens. Being a night race that covered multiple terrains you absolutely need night light gear. The pre race communication was abundant and the parking was great.
Originally there were going to be waves to start the race, which was ditched last minute. Even though the director announced multiple times than fast runners to the front there were still walkers at the start line. They definitely got jostled and hopefully the wave start will happen in the future.
The first 3/4 mile was on pavement and a tight turn around a cone. We veered off into the grass covered in hay which helped, but it had been raining for two days prior and was easy to sink. This part was both lit and unlit, if it was not for my headlight I would not have been able to see. There were some gradual uphills which in the mud was difficult. At one point I ran through a significant puddle that soaked my feet. When the course got to the lit garden though! So beautiful and well maintained and well lit. There was two spots with three steps, and if you are moving quick you need to keep a sharp eye. It was here that me and another running got lost. Twice. The person manning that area wasn’t a huge help getting us back on track, but we saw and heard the announcer at the finish. While I was not going for a PR ( and its impossible to do so on this course) I was trying for a top three spot- and even with the turn arounds I was able to do so.
The awards were very cute medals and were held inside and timely! The T-shirt included was also cute. Another big Bonus was the food trucks and drinks after the race and of course to walk the grounds and see the lights. I would recommend this race to anyone with or without family due to its feel-good nature, fun atmosphere, and to see the lights which are awesome!
They will work out the kinks for next year ( maybe offer a pass to see the lights any day not just the day of the race?) and hopefully will be a better lit path/bigger signs. I will be back for sure!