Lights on Afterschool 5k & Fun Run

Join us for the Lights on Afterschool 5K, an annual fundraiser supporting Next Level Community Development Center’s FREE afterschool and summer programs. This signature run/walk shines a light on the critical role out-of-school-time programming plays in the lives of youth and families.

Proceeds from this event directly fund high-quality academic instruction, youth development initiatives, and college and career readiness programs for students living at or below 150% of the national poverty level, many of whom are at risk of academic failure. Our mission is to educate, enlighten, and empower youth and families to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Fun Run for Youth
In addition to the 5K, children aged 11 and under are invited to participate in our 1-mile Fun Run. All Fun Run participants will receive a medal and a surprise basket to celebrate their achievement!

Registration Details

• Early Registration (through October 20, 2025)
  • 5K: $30.00
  • Fun Run: $15.00
  • RunSignUp Processing fees will apply to each online registration
• Late/Same Day Registration (after October 20, 2025)
  • 5K: $35.00
  • Fun Run: $20.00
  • Available onsite only, beginning at 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. on race day: Saturday, November 8, 2025
  • Credit/Debit Card Processing fees will apply if paying with card

T-Shirts are included in early 5K registrations. FUN RUN participants will NOT receive a t-shirt. To guarantee a race t-shirt with your 5K registration, please register no later than October 20, 2025. 

 
Packet Pickup & Race Day Info

• Pre-Packet Pickup:
  Thursday, November 6, 2025
  10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  Location: Bibb Mount Zion Baptist Church
  3268 Avondale Mill Rd, Macon, GA 31216
  
  
• Race Day Pickup & Registration:
  Saturday, November 8, 2025, beginning at 7:00 a.m.
  Location: Amerson River Park
  2551 North Pierce Drive Macon, GA 31204

Support the Cause
Not planning to run? You can still make a difference! Click the "Donate" button above to make a one-time contribution or to become a sponsor. Every dollar helps us continue empowering youth and transforming lives.

For more information, contact our office at 478-781-0401.

*Awards*

Top 3 overall

• 1st: $400.00 (male and female)
• 2nd: $200.00 (male and female)
• 3rd: $100.00 (male and female)

1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Male and Female Winners in the below age categories will win a medal:

• 11-14
• 15-19
• 20-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70 & up
  

Cancellation and Refund Policy
Participation in the Lights on After School 5K/Kids Fun Run is a commitment to supporting the children of the Next Level Community Development Center. The following policy applies to all registrants and is strictly enforced:

Registration Cancellations
All registrations are final. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances. In the event a participant chooses to cancel their registration, all registration fees and any funds raised will be retained and donated directly to the Next Level Community Development Center to support its youth programs.

Non-Attendance
Failure to attend the event does not constitute grounds for a refund, credit, or deferral. Donations, registration fees, and funds raised are non-transferable and non-deferrable to other individuals or future events. 

Weather Policy
The event will take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather that poses a risk to safety, event organizers will implement appropriate adjustments to the event schedule or course. No refunds will be granted in cases of inclement or severe weather. All registration fees will remain as contributions to the Next Level Community Development Center.

Policy Acknowledgment
By completing registration, participants acknowledge and accept this Cancellation and Refund Policy in full. Participation affirms agreement with the policy terms and recognition that all funds support a charitable cause.