Running of the Lights

About the Event

Start your New Year with a healthy tradition at Running of the Lights! This unique January race begins at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day and takes participants on a magical run or walk through the dazzling Tanglewood Festival of Lights in Clemmons, North Carolina. Choose between the 5K(ish) Run/Walk or the 1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk and experience a one-of-a-kind course that transforms the park’s Christmas wonderland into your personal race route.

Before the race, you’ll join hundreds of fellow participants for a celebratory toast and a live stream of the New York City Times Square Ball Drop right at the start line. At the finish, warm up with hot chocolate, snacks, and post-race cheer—a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of 2026.

Why People Run the Running of the Lights

Kick off the New Year in a fun, healthy way with friends and family
Run or walk through the lights at Tanglewood Park, normally only open to cars
Experience a Christmas wonderland of glowing displays on foot
Earn a custom finisher medal
Receive a high-quality long-sleeve race shirt
Enjoy a festive New Year’s party atmosphere at the start and finish
Watch the Times Square Ball Drop live feed before you run
Celebrate after with hot chocolate, snacks, and post-race camaraderie
Access free race photos and live results
Compete for unique awards in the 5K

Event Details

Date: Midnight, January 1, 2027 (race begins at the stroke of midnight)
Location: Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, NC
Distances: 5K Run/Walk or 1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk
Registration Options: Regular Registration (shirt + medal + full perks), Economy Registration, and Virtual Registration

Start Your Year Bright

If you’re looking for more than just a race, Running of the Lights is an experience. Families, friends, and runners of all levels gather to close out the old year and welcome the new with fitness, fun, and light-filled memories. Whether you’re chasing a PR or enjoying a casual stroll, this event is the perfect way to say goodbye to 2026 and hello to 2027.

Races Offered

1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk

Jan 01, 2027

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Distance — 1.75 Miles

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Type — Running

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$25.00

5K Run/Walk

Jan 01, 2027

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Distance — 5K

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Type — Running

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$35.00

Economy 1.75 Mile Fun Run/Walk

Jan 01, 2027

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Distance — 1.75 Miles

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Type — Running

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$20.00

Economy 5K Run/Walk

Jan 01, 2027

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Distance — 5K

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Type — Running

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$27.00

Virtual Fun Run or 5K

Jan 01, 2027

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Distance — 5K

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Type — Running

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00:00

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$35.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for January in Clemmons.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 0.5° / 10.1°

wb_sunny -3.7° / 6.7°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 10.7 /

water_drop 69.8%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 0.5° / 10.1°

wb_sunny -3.7° / 6.7°

air 10.7 km/h

water_drop 69.8%

About Clemmons

Clemmons is a village in Forsyth County, North Carolina, United States, and a suburb of Winston-Salem. The population was 21,177 at the 2020 census, with an estimated population of 21,517 in 2021.