Chamber Hosts First Ever Night Light Run

In the dark shroud of nighttime, downtown Redlands lit up in neon lights during the first annual Night Light Run, presented by the Redlands Chamber of Commerce. Despite running on the same night as the annual Redlands nighttime Christmas Parade event, thousands of Inland Empire locals converged downtown to participate in the 5K walk/run marathon that started and ended in the parking lot of Redlands City Hall on Cajon Street. Men, women and children of all ages came out to participate and support other runners, dressed to impressed in their neon best. The marathon kicked off at 6 p.m. and was open to all; whether participants entered individually, jogged with a stroller or were part of a four-or-more person team connected by a light-cord "caterpillar," all were proclaimed winners in this race. Christina Mory, a runner from San Bernardino, described how she found the experience to be an enjoyable one." “I try to do at least three marathons a year," she said. "It’s like a spin on regular 5K [events] and it’s perfect because of the holidays.” A neon holiday parade of local businesses, marching bands and city leaders including Mayor Pete Aguilar, cruised the lit streets following the runners. Festive floats were filled with participants who greeted bystanders and performed music to put all in the holiday spirit. Local vendors shared their cheer and made sure no one was left hungry through the night. Steve Hay, owner of Haybirds Hotdogs, expressed his excitement. “I have been doing events like these for three years now," he said. "I hope the Redlands Night Light Run continues every year.”