Dashing through the Glow 5K at Lanier Islands

Events

$45

$40

5:45PM EST

Price increases after October 10, 2025 at 11:59pm EDT

$40

Price increases after October 10, 2025 at 11:59pm EDT

Place

Lanier Islands in Buford
7000 Lanier Islands Parkway
Buford, GA US 30518

Description

✨ The Magic is Back --- Join us for Dashing Through the Glow 5k ✨

For nearly 30 years, Georgians and visitors celebrated the beloved Magical Nights of Lights at Lanier Islands Resort. After a five-year hiatus, this cherished tradition returns—bigger and brighter than ever.

Be among the first to experience it in a truly unique way: run or walk through Lanier Islands’ Magical Nights of Lights before it opens to the public. Capacity is limited to 1,500 participants, so register early to secure your spot.

Start Time: 5:45 PM (right at dusk)

Experience Includes:

Updated Christmas light displays along the course
Crewneck Sweatshirt Included OR Upgrade to a Hoodie
Santa Claus bobblehead trophies for overall and age-group winners
Custom finisher medals for all registered participants

**Participants can also add a Keepsake Ornament during registration to commemorate their 2025 event! **

Start your holiday season with us and make it a night to remember!

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

What to expect

Some of the most popular displays making their nostalgic return to the holiday light show at Lanier Islands Resort include:

Marching Toy Soldiers
12 Days of Christmas
Old Man Winter
Candy Cane Lane

The 2025 show will also introduce several new displays, such as:

Tailgating Santa
Pickleball Elves
Multi-faith light displays that celebrate the spirit of the season at the new Chapel on Lanier

Charity Partner

Make a difference in your community! Hunger can affect people from all walks of life. Many Georgians are one job loss or medical crisis away from food insecurity – but some people, including children, seniors, and rural Georgians – are at greatest risk. All proceeds from this race will benefit the Georgia Mountain Food Bank Association (GMFB). Their mission is to address hunger, health and quality of life by serving those in need. An affiliate of Feeding America, we provide a vital link between sources of food supplies and hardworking community-based partner agencies who help get the food into the hands of families and individuals in need.

Since 2008, GMFB has distributed over 94 million pounds of food right here in our own community.

Course Map

For an interactive course map, including elevation, click HERE.

Packet Pick-Up

This year we plan to have packet/bib pick-up for the week of the event (November 3-8) at Big Peach Running Co. - Braselton (formerly Runners Fit) located at 7419 Spout Springs Rd. #103, Flowery Branch, GA 30542. Their store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Once you have your packet and bib, there will be no need to check in on Sunday. Just arrive early and ready to have fun! The remaining packets will be available Sunday starting at 4:30pm.