FAQ
Is there a deadline for registration?
Registration for the 5K run and 1-mile walk (waves 1 and 2) will be available online until the start times and in-person at the Quarryview Center beginning at 12:00 PM on Saturday, November 23 (day of event). We will accept credit cards, cash, or check.
Registration Prices (August 19 - September 30):
- 5K run (all ages): $25
- 1-mile walk registration (ages 13+): $20
- Ages 12 and under register for free for either of the walk waves
Registration Prices (October 1 - October 31):
- 5K run (all ages): $30
- 1-mile walk registration (ages 13+): $25
- Ages 12 and under register for free for either of the walk waves
Registration Prices (November 1 - November 23):
- 5K run (all ages): $35 (available until 4:00 PM on day of event)
- 1-mile walk (ages 13+): $30 (available until 6:00 PM on day of event)
- Ages 12 and under register for free for either of the walk waves (available until 6:00 PM on day of event)
What happened to the Group/Team registration option?
To smooth out logistics (mostly with packet pickup), we discontinued Groups/Teams in 2024. If you're interested in the camaraderie and taking even bigger steps against hunger by rallying people around you to donate on your behalf, a Team Fundraiser option is available that doesn't require any minimum donation amounts. Simply create an Individual Fundraiser first here or during the registration process. Registrants who are Individual Fundraisers have the option to choose to get registration fees refunded once at least $150 are raised.
Are there shirts or other items for sale?
Bundle up and show your support! Yes, apparel items are available to purchase during the registration process through Thursday, October 31. Travel mugs are available to purchase during the registration process through Saturday, November 23. Beginning at 12:00 PM on the day of the event (November 23), a limited quantity of all apparel items and travel mugs will also be available to buy inside the large tent outside of the Quarryview Center (cash only). In addition, light up items (cash only) and snacks will also be for purchase outside of the Quarryview Center on the way to the course. All sales directly support Sheboygan County Food Bank.
What is packet pickup?
Packet pickup is where participants receive race bibs and pins (5K run), wristbands (1-mile walk), and any apparel or other items that were ordered during the registration process. Each of the first 500 people who registered will also receive a special goodie bag filled with giveaways/materials from sponsors and key partners, including local cheese generously provided by our friends at Sartori and Sargento! Packets must be picked up before entering the event.
Where and when can I pick up my packet?
Sponsors and Employers/Organizations Offering Free or Discounted Registrations
Sponsor complimentary registrants and employers/organizations offering free or discounted registrations have the exclusive opportunity to pick up pre-grouped packets of participants registered under their unique coupon codes at any of the scheduled packet pickups below. The representative picking up packets will just need to provide the employer/organization name.
Individual Registrants
All other participants (who are not registered as sponsors or with a free or discounted registration from an employer/organization ) are welcome to visit any of the scheduled packet pickups below and just need to provide their first and last name.
Packet Pickup Dates, Times and Locations
EARLY PACKET PICKUP
Dates: Wednesday, November 20; Thursday, November 21; Friday, November 22
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Sheboygan County Food Bank (3115 N 21st St., Sheboygan, WI 53083)*
*The drive-thru packet pickup option will not be available this year. Packet pickup will be walk-up.
DAY OF EVENT PACKET PICKUP
Date: Saturday, November 23
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Large tent outside of Quarryview Center (3401 Calumet Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53083)
Can I pick up other participant(s) packets?
Yes. Packets may be picked up on behalf of other individual participants (i.e., family members, friends, coworkers). If you will be picking up two or more packets, please print, complete and bring this Packet Pickup Form.
Sponsor complimentary registrants and employers/organizations offering free or discounted registrations have the exclusive opportunity to pick up pre-grouped packets at any of the scheduled packet pickups. The representative picking up packets will just need to provide the employer/organization name.
What do I need to do before arriving to the event?
- Register: Participants can register for either the 5K run or 1-mile walk (waves 1 and 2). Register here.
- Wear race bib or wrist band for admission: Runners must wear race bibs and 1-mile walkers must wear wristbands that they received at packet pickup.
- Dress for the occasion: We love to see your holiday-themed outfits and costumes – and your Holiday Lights Hunger Run/Walk apparel! If you're running the 5K, be sure to watch the weather forecast and wear appropriate clothing. As many of us know, staying warm during the winter months in Wisconsin means bundling up in layers, including, hats, mittens, and thick socks. If you need a safe place to put layers of clothing or other small personal items while you're on the course, please feel welcome to make a stop at our designated gear check near the finish line (on the way to the start line). Gear check will be supervised by volunteers from 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM.
- Pre-download a radio app: Standing speakers are intermittently placed throughout the course for participants to enjoy the synchronized lights and music. Please consider downloading a radio app on your phone before arriving and tuning to 89.1 FM.
I'm a VIP Parking & Experience Pass holder. What do I need to know before I arrive?
We can't wait to greet you and help make your experience extra special! Parking instructions will be sent to the email you registered with by Friday, November 15. View the Parking and Shuttle Service Map for more information.
I'm a Disabled Parking Pass holder. What do I need to know before I arrive?
We look forward to making sure this event is accessible for you! Parking instructions will be sent to the email you registered with by Friday, November 15. View the Parking and Shuttle Service Map for more information.
Where should I park and when should I arrive?
Please note that beginning at 3:00 PM on the day of the event there is NO PARKING at the Quarryview Center parking lot located at 3401 Calumet Dr. in Sheboygan (closest to event) unless you are a volunteer or have reserved either a VIP Parking & Experience Pass or Disabled Parking Pass in advance during online registration. There will be free offsite parking at parking lots within one mile of the main event site. Multiple shuttle buses will run from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM and continually service the offsite parking lots to transfer participants to and from Quarryview Center parking lot. More information here.
The walk is divided into two waves to safely limit crowds on the course and shuttle buses so it is important to arrive as close to your scheduled start time as possible. If you will be using the free parking option, we suggest arriving at one of the offsite parking lot locations at least 30-45 minutes before your scheduled event start time (especially if you are participating in one of the walk waves). If you reserved a VIP Parking & Experience Pass or Disabled Parking Pass in advance during online registration, we suggest arriving at the Quarryview Center parking lot at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled event start time.
View the Parking and Shuttle Service Map for more information.
Will I be able to hear Making Spirits Bright's holiday music on the course?
Standing speakers are intermittently placed throughout the course for participants to enjoy the synchronized lights and music. Please note that because of the long length of the course, limited power outlets in Evergreen Park, and limited availability of rental equipment, it is difficult to have enough speakers for participants to hear music for the entire length of the course. Please consider downloading a radio app on your phone and tuning to 89.1 FM.
Are pets allowed on the course?
Leashed pets are welcome at the event and Evergreen Park. Due to how narrow the course is and considering the safety of participants and animals, pets are not allowed on the course during the 5K run. However, we do welcome them for the 1-mile walks. Please clean up after your pet.
Am I able bring a stroller or wagon on the shuttle buses and course?
Yes. We value this event as being family-friendly. Strollers and wagons are permitted for the 5K run and 1-mile walk with the condition of being aware of your surroundings. If you are running the 5K, we kindly ask that families with strollers begin in the back and stay to the right for the duration of the run.
Please note that shuttle services from off-site parking to and from the event location will be on school buses. School buses can accommodate strollers and wagons, but there is limited space due to the vehicle's interior structure. We highly recommend using our Family-Friendly Drop-off Zone on the south side of the parking lot the Quarryview Center parking lot. Beginning at 3:00 PM, participants with strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs and/or participants who are carpooling are highly encouraged to use this. Drivers must park at offsite parking lots unless they have reserved either a VIP Parking & Experience Pass and Disabled Parking Pass in advance.
View the Parking and Shuttle Service Map for more information.
Am I able to watch and cheer 5K runners along the course?
Yes. A designated 5K run spectator viewing area will be located near the finish line. We kindly ask that if spectators are planning to walk the course following the run, that they please register for one of the walk waves. Race bibs (5K run) and wristbands (1-mile walk) provided to registered participants at packet pickup are required to enter the course.
View the Course and Event Map to see the spectator viewing area location.
Can I take photos with displays along the course?
We're dedicated to making sure Making Spirits Bright's displays are protected from damage and that participants are safe. Participants are welcome to take photos along the course with displays in the background, but are not permitted to step off of the course pavement or touch displays.
Will there be bathrooms available?
A few portable toilets will be available outside of the Quarryview Center. The bathroom stalls inside of the Quarryview Center will also available.
Can I walk the course after I run the 5K run?
Runners are welcome to walk the course until the course closes for all participants at 7:00 PM and do not need to register for the 1-mile walk. Please note that shuttle buses for each offsite parking lot make final pickups at the Quarryview Center parking lot at 7:30 PM.
Will there be food available to purchase?
Yes! New in 2024, snacks, food and specialty holiday drinks will be available to purchase at the Quarryview Center parking lot from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM. The Snack Shack food truck will be selling popcorn, nachos, grilled ham and cheese, hot dogs, cotton candy, soft pretzels, grilled cheese and mini donuts (cash only). Sacred Grounds Coffee will be selling a range of fun specialty holiday drinks from pumpkin spice lattes and apple ciders to peppermint mochas and s’mores hot chocolates (cash or card).
At 3 Sheeps Brewing, Harvest Street food truck will be parked outside of the taproom from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM to offer their New American street food. 3 Sheeps also offers popcorn and other snacks inside their taproom and you're welcome to bring in whatever food you would like or have food delivered.
What happens if the event is cancelled?
In the unfortunate circumstance that we would have to cancel this event due to unsafe weather conditions, participants and volunteers will be notified by 8:00 AM on November 23 via the email that was used to register for this event. The same notification will be made on Sheboygan County Food Bank's Facebook page by 8:00 AM on November 23. Due to logistical constraints, a rain date will not be scheduled and our refund policy states that refunds will not be issued to participants. Thank you for understanding.
I missed receiving my 5K run award. What is the next step?
If you were a top 5K run finisher and missed receiving your award, awards will not be mailed, but they will be available for pickup 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, at Sheboygan County Food Bank (3115 N. 21 Street, Door A, in Sheboygan) until Friday, December 6. Please note that Sheboygan County Food Bank will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29.
The Top Individual Fundraiser and Top Team Fundraiser will each be mailed a special award and thank you from Sheboygan County Food Bank.
