Redlands Night Lit by Runners, Walkers and Crawlers

On Saturday, Dec. 27 the Redlands Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Night Light 5K Run. While “5K run” may deter many residents from entering, the chamber emphasized that the goal of the event was to gather together the families, friends and community of Redlands for a night of fun, regardless of whether they decided to run, walk, skip or crawl to the finish line. No special gear or training was needed and children and residents of all ages were invited to join in on the fun and forget about their times. Children who were under the age of six were able to run free with an adult. This is the second time that the Redlands Chamber of Commerce has organized the Night Light Run. Around 400 people from the community came in their blinking, bright and lit-up costumes. “There were so many interesting outfits,” said Kathie Thurston, exective director of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce. “but it is always interesting to see the girls who come in their lit tutus; it looks like a lit up swan lake.” The race started off at Eureka Street in Downtown Redlands, filled with runners adorning their best neon, glow-in-the-dark and battery operated gear and took place alongside the Redlands on Ice skating rink. Participants who registered early for the run were given an official neon Redlands Chamber Night Light Run T-shirt. The Chamber of Commerce is planning to host the event again in 2015, although this time around they may change the date to sometime early in the year - possibly bringing the event to October and adding a handful of zombies to accompany the runners in their night of fun. [END] Kathie Thurston How many people attended? How many signed up before hand? 400 people show up, 2nd one, before christmas last year the same amount of people came. thinking about doing something in october with zombies. we had such a good time going it last year and we loved to do it again. the run took place alongside the ice rink in redlands. What was the funniest/best outfit you seen? There were so many fun outfits but it is always so interesting to see the girls who come in their lit tutu's; it looks like a lit up swan lake. Were there a lot of families at the run? it is a good family event, it isn't a timed race, it is a fun family event. How many times have you done this run in the past? last year and looking to do it again What is your favorite part? how much fun the committee has putting it together, its such a great group of people. i truly enjoy the start of something like this, the local bicycle clubs led the runners out, it was so much fun to see If you didn’t run, walk, crawl or meander in last year’s race, you’re probably asking yourself…”What the heck is a Night Light Run??? And why should I run in a Night Light Run… and what should I do to train for a Night Light Run…. And do I need to buy special gear for a Night Light Run….. can my grandma run with me in the Night Light Run??????” Well here are the brilliant answers to those questions and others that are asked over and over…………….. How does it work? You show up at the Start/Finish in Downtown Redlands, off Eureka St. lit…. decked out in your neon best, battery operated, glow in the dark gear…..!!!! Why should I? As you travel through this mixed up crazy journey we call life you are going to be challenged with one decision after another why not throw caution to the wind and just BE…… Well this run has nothing to do with any of that philosophical mumbo jumbo. The Redlands Chamber Night Light Run is the best time you’ll have running (other than from the law) all year. It’s twinkly and sparkly and glittery and shiny ….. Slide into your official Light Run T-shirt, strap on your glow in the dark necklace and bracelet and anything else that sparkles in the night and run for your life…. or just the fun of it. It’ll brighten your day literally and figuratively; it’ll liven up your Facebook page, give you hours of new conversation and What do I get with my registration? You get an awesome Neon Bright Official best thing in your closet Redlands Chamber Night Light Run T-shirt (Second edition!)…a dazzling glow in the dark under your bed, in the closet or down a dark alley necklace and bracelet…..g Add your own creative spark.. by showing up in all things that glow, twinkle and shine. You will be emailed about 10 days prior to the race with information on dates and locations for the Packet Pick-up Party!! Do I need to be “in the best shape of my life” runner to do this? OH NO! There are plenty of other great 5ks out there to test speed, time and performance. This event is all fun, friends and lights. You can run, walk, crawl, skip, meander just make it back to the fabulous finish line where we’ll be waiting for you with a fabulous light show! Is this a timed event? Nope! This is not a race it’s an experience….take it all in… have fun with the lights, the sounds the fun…. Can I run with a jogging stroller and my kids? On one condition…if you are prepared to be one of the hippest moms/dads on the planet! As long as your kids are cute and like to have fun…all kiddos 6 and under can run with an adult FREE of charge and do not need to register! Decked out strollers are way cool… and decked out kids even better. Can Dogs participate? You bet….. join Charley the Chamber dog, all dressed in his finest “check me out and see how cool I am” glow gear. Remember you will be responsible for your pooches behavior so be sure to explain the intricacies of race etiquette to your four legged partner. And by the way your pup HAS to have you on a leash at all time!!!!! Remember to be a conscientious puppy parent and clean up if need be. Is there an age limit for younger runners? No age limits:) If they can cover (running, jogging, walking, strolling) the 3 miles of the Night Light Run course, they can absolutely do the 5k! Remember though, as soon as they turn 7 they will need to register to get the totally awesome official T-shirt and have a race bib! Is there a packet pick up for the event? How does all that work? Yes. Packet pick-up will happen the day before the race at the Redlands Chamber of Commerce office… you’ll even be able to enhance your glow apparel with the vast array of products for sale during “pick-up”. Can someone else pick up my packet for me? If you fill out a Pick Up Waiver, someone else can bring your completed waiver and grab that packet to give to you. You can’t possibly pick up your packet? If you absolutely …positively …cannot pick-up your packet prior to the race you can check in at the race 30 minutes before race time…. Look for the fancy schmancy check-in booth when you arrive at the staging location. Can spectators attend the pre/post-race Night Light Run party? Absolutely! You’ll want to celebrate with everyone you know and have them cheer you on as you twinkly over the finish line …that’s when the party starts!!!!