Festival of Lights 5K
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About the race
The Festival of Lights 5K is the 31st annual nighttime fundraising race in San Marco Square on December 5, 2026, supporting Children’s Miracle Network of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Proceeds benefit UF Health Jacksonville pediatrics and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. The event takes place during San Marco’s Holiday Magic and is held on streets lit with festive lights as runners, walkers and strollers move through the neighborhood.
Distances
- 1 Mile fun run
- 5K race
The event includes finisher medals for all finishers, participant race shirts, jingle bells for shoes, holiday music and chip timing for the 5K. The course will be lit with festive lights, all miles will be marked, a water station is located near the halfway point and digital clocks will be located at each mile. Awards are presented to top overall finishers and in multiple age groups; an awards ceremony is held in San Marco Square.
Packet pickup is available at selected 1st Place Sports locations on December 3 and December 4; unclaimed packets will be moved to San Marco Square on race day. Offsite parking and shuttle service are provided from the Baptist Medical Center P5 parking garage with pickup on Nira Street and drop off at the San Marco Square round-about. East San Marco Publix parking is not available for race attendees and vehicles may be towed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
