Lake Wales Mardi Gras 5K Glow Run
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Lake Wales Mardi Gras 5K Glow Run
The Lake Wales Mardi Gras 5K Glow Run is a festive athletic event held as part of the annual Mardi Gras celebrations in Central Florida. Participants are encouraged to wear neon clothing and use glow sticks for this evening run, which serves as a fundraiser for local charities. The event is hosted at Lake Wailes Park, with parking available along the sides of the park area.
The race course is located on the path surrounding the shores of Lake Wailes. This route is designed to be flat and fast while eliminating road crossings for the participants. The event is open to both runners and walkers and features a variety of distances and classifications:
- 5 km
Registered participants receive an official Mardi Gras Glow Run t-shirt, a finisher medal, and a drink ticket. Participants who register before Jan 18, 2026, are guaranteed a shirt; after this date, shirts are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Beyond the race, the venue at Lake Wailes Park includes a range of amenities and activities. This includes a dedicated kid’s zone, food and drink vendors, and live entertainment. A post-race party follows the run, providing a social atmosphere for all attendees. Early race packet pickup is organized during the week leading up to the event, and same-day registration is also available at the park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
