Expected November 2027
Distance
Start Time
Terrain
Run Under the Lights is an evening 5K run and walk held inside Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Maryland, staged by the City of Gaithersburg and Montgomery County Road Runners Club. Participants set off at 6:15 PM and follow paved park roads that are closed to traffic for the event, passing more than 380 illuminated vignettes and 65 animated displays that make up the Winter Lights festival. The run is open to both runners and walkers, and anyone who would rather not take part on foot can join as a volunteer. The event is listed on a recurring basis, with start dates given for Saturday 23 November 2024, Saturday 22 November 2025 and Saturday 21 November 2026.
Over 380 glowing vignettes along the route
65 whimsical animated light displays
Park roads closed to traffic for runners and walkers
Run through the City of Gaithersburg Winter Lights festival at Seneca Creek State Park
Start / Finish
Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Terrain
Route
Race Day
What you get
Access to the Winter Lights display route with the park roads closed to traffic
On the day
Marshals on course
Before you enter
Other questions
The 5K Run/Walk and the City of Gaithersburg staff reserved entries both start at 6:15 PM. The event is held on a Saturday evening in late November.
Yes. The park roads are closed to traffic for the duration of the run, so participants can enjoy the light displays without worrying about vehicles.
Yes. The event is billed as a 5K Run/Walk, so walkers are welcome alongside runners over the same 3.1 mile route.
The route passes more than 380 glowing vignettes and 65 animated light displays that make up the Winter Lights festival, turning the park into a twinkling winter wonderland after dark.
Yes. The organisers invite anyone who would rather not run or walk to join the event as a volunteer and watch the display from the front row. Contact the organisers for volunteer roles and sign-up details.
Entry fee
Registration isn't open yet. We'll show pricing when the organiser confirms.Gaithersburg, USA
Expected November 2027
Provisional date, around Nov 20Are you the organiser of MCRRC Run Under the Lights?
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