Million Lights Run
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About the race
The Million Lights 5K is an evening chip-timed run and walk along Chandler Boulevard in Ahwatukee, held at Desert Foothills Park on December 19, 2026. The course passes a display of over a million twinkling lights and includes themed aid stations such as water and a peppermint station. Participants encounter a short gravel section near the start and finish. On-course and finish line provisions include water, a peppermint cookie station, hot chocolate, cookies, chocolate treats, and a commemorative finisher mug.
Registered 5K participants receive chip timing by Mangled Momentum with live online results, an event bib, a glow bracelet, a finisher medal for 2026, sponsor goodies, and live entertainment. The course is police-monitored with professionally managed, fully closed roads. The event is limited to 850 participants and has sold out in some previous years. Early packet pick-up is scheduled for December 17, and packet pick-up on race day is available at Desert Foothills Park.
Event shirts are an optional add-on for an additional fee if purchased by December 4, 2026. A separate untimed 3/4 mile Kids Fun Run stays entirely inside the park and provides a kids finisher medal, a finisher gift, cookies, and hot chocolate. Strollers should be running or off-road models because of the short gravel section. Children in strollers do not need separate registration unless finisher items are desired.
There are no age group or overall awards; timing is for individual results only. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
