THE GLOW RUN 5K // THE LIGHT ‘EM UP EXPERIENCE

Runners, on your mark, get set…GLOW! Pull out some neon glow wear because The Glow Run 5k “Light Em’ Up Experience” is heading to downtown. The Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports Commission team have worked hard bringing in new and exciting events. Over the past couple of years there has been a rise in 5k events, marathons, and competitive obstacle course races. Having been painted with the Color Run and faced with the Warrior Dash battlefield, it is now time to light up the night.

The Glow Run nighttime event is the latest trendy 5k fun run that has been tricking people into exercising. Not a runner? No problem. Glowing participants can run, walk, dance, or even cartwheel to the finish line. Techno music will be blasting throughout the course for many opportunities to show off some dance moves. This event is more about the fun than the actual run. Brandt Garrison, Manger for Communications and Public Relations for the TTSC, states that this will be a “one of a kind event”. The run will start and end at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre. The 3.1 mile course will be lit up with black light zones, flashing spot lights, and a neon glowing finish line chute and arch. Not to mention about a thousand of glowing runners.

Do not skimp on the outfits, have fun with it. Pull out the shine, sparkle, glitz-n- glitter, and of course a little Glow. Put together the most over-the-top florescent outfits imaginable! Perhaps a Glow Fairy in a tutu equipped with glowing fairy dust. Gather a team and create a large Glow worm! Do not forget to accessorize with glow stick bracelets, necklaces, rings, or glasses! The more outrageous the outfit is the better. Awards will be given for best individual outfit: Top “Glow Man”, Top “Glow Woman”, the best individual dance – Top “Glow Man – Dance Champion”, Top “Glow Woman – Dance Champion”, and the best Teams – “Glow Worm Dance Champions”.

All participants will receive a custom glow in the dark finisher’s medal, Glow Run T-shirt, Glow items like glow sticks and paint, and entry into the post race after party where the glowing fun continues. The “Light ‘Em Up Experience” after party will feature a DJ with more techno beats, hundreds of give a ways and a beer garden for those 21 and over. Get the full glow effect and come for the pre party with free face painting and Glow Zumba.

The cost is $40 for each registrant and $35 per person for a team of 4 or more. Hurry! Prices jump up $5 on race day. Kids, 12 and under, and Military personnel is $25. Portions of the proceeds will be shared with Tuscaloosa One Place (TOP), a Family Resource Center. Garrison describes TOP as a “full service non-profit and one stop family resource center”.  TOP is truly making difference in our community. They are committed to increasing the quality of life through providing resources to promote self-sufficiency, parenting education, and prevent child abuse and neglect. Don’t miss out on this glowing experience!

The Glow Run 5k Tuscaloosa, will take place on Saturday February 22nd at 6 p.m. Register at GlowRun5k.com/Tuscaloosa or register on the day of the event.